Chicago City Council moves to release Inspector General reports, reform parking fines

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Chicago City Council approves release of Inspector General reports, parking fine reforms, CLEAR airport security

Chicago's City Council approved several proposals Wednesday, including allowing the release of certain Inspector General reports on police-involved incidents.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's City Council approved several proposals Wednesday, including allowing the release of certain reports on police-involved incidents from the city's Inspector General.

Among those would be the Office of the Inspector General's report on the deadly shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald, who was gunned down by a white Chicago police officer in 2014.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the report will be released soon.

City Council members also passed reforms to the city's fines and fees for parking violations.

Lightfoot said she hopes the move will ease a burden on the city's low-income drivers.

City Council members also approved the airport security program Clear to operate at O'Hare and Midway.

The paid service uses biometrics to expedite the security process for frequent travelers.

Here's what will go into effect immediately for Chicago drivers:

Stop doubling the price, from $200 to $400, of vehicle city stickers when drivers fail to renew

Reinstate the 15-day grace period for renewal

No more same-day or consecutive day ticketing for compliance violations

Late payment caps at $50

Eliminating driver's license suspensions for non-driving violations

Starting November 15, residents will be able to create a six-month payment plan, lower down payments, and extend payment deadlines for tickets if they are experiencing hardships.

A 24-hour extension will also be available to anyone after getting booted.

For more information on city fines and fees, visit their website.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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