Senator's Bill Would Boot Your Car for Any Unpaid Debt—Even Water Bill or Student Loan

Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) is on a roll with some unique bills. First, the senator tried to introduce a bill aimed at limiting comments posted online.

He’s since withdrawn that bill.

Now, he’s “quietly” introduced a new bill that would boot a person’s vehicle if they have any debt owed to the city of Chicago and other municipalities—such as water bills or traffic tickets, among others, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

If the person does not pay their bill within 24 hours after a judgment, the individual's car could be auctioned off. Any money made from the auction would go toward paying off whatever debt the person owes, the publication reported.

Current law states that only vehicles with traffic or parking violations may be booted under certain conditions. In those instances, the vehicle can only be auctioned off after 21 days.

Silverstein said he “introduced the bill at the request of a lobbyist friend whose clients include a law firm with a large collection practice,” Crain’s Chicago reported.

Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-24th), called the idea of threatening to sell a person's vehicle within 24 hours "over the top," according to chicago.cbslocal.com.

Silverstein did not immediately return a phone call placed to him on Tuesday.