Written by Koehler Staff Wednesday, 19 August 2009 09:03
PEORIA—Yesterday, the Governor signed a law that will help with crime prevention.
Senate Bill 1512, sponsored by State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria), authorizes the Secretary of State’s office to issue false identification to undercover law enforcement agents. It also allows the Secretary of State to revoke these materials at anytime if there is evidence that they are being misused. "Fake IDs have continually played an important role in undercover operations," said Koehler. "Police agencies have used the IDs to arrest drug dealers, sexual predators and other criminals."
For years the Secretary of State’s office issued false identification to the police with no real authorization or clear guidelines. The new law ensures that these fake IDs are properly distributed and used only for undercover investigations.
"This legislation clarifies the Secretary of State’s legal authority to aid the police," said Koehler. "I believe this law will create more transparency and accountability for the Secretary of State and police agencies. It will also assure that fake IDs are not misused."
Senator Koehler Menu
46th District
Years served: Appointed December 2006, Elected 2008 - Present
Committee assignments: Agriculture and Conservation, Energy (Vice-Chair), Labor, Sub-Committee on Special Issues, Local Government, Chair), Sub-Committee on Amendments (Chair), Redistricting, Sub-Committee on Redistricting I, Transporation
Biography: Born and raised in South Dakota. Received Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971 from Yankton College - Yankton, South Dakota. Masters of Divinity; United Theological Seminary - Dayton, Ohio. Former Staff member, National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM). Former Community organizer and program manager for Peoria Friendship House. Former Executive Director - Peoria Area Labor Management Council (PALM). Former President for Labor Management Cooperative Health Programs, Inc. Peoria County Board (1982-1988). Peoria City Council (1989-1997). He and his wife, Nora Sullivan, are the owners of the Peoria Bread Company, an artisan whole grain bakery in Peoria. They have three daughters, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.