Illinois Recovery Association
Accomplishments
State of Illinois
SB0096
The IRA, Illinois Recovery Association, had its first meeting and organized November 20th, 2002 with the knowledge that the State of Illinois was considering legislation for the Repossession industry. Founding members worked together along with a multitude of others to create under the supervision of attorneys the Collateral Recovery Act SB0096 was created over several years. In an industry riddled with lack of legislative regulation, procedural inconsistencies, non-existent training, and insufficient safeguards, culminating in a viable threat to the public's health, safety, and general well being. Improperly trained field agents and non licensed recovery agencies impose, through lack of industry experience and non compliance practices, and undue burden to law enforcement, unwarranted collateral disputes with debtors, and a ripe nesting ground for potential lawsuits. For these reasons, SB0096 (Collateral Recovery Act) as respectfully submitted with the intent that its' passage will eliminate these threats and ensure the interests of the public and conscientiously served and protected it. It seemed inevitable that legislation would pass, having the foresight to involve properly licensed and insured Illinois agencies allowed these same agencies to have a voice in their future.
City of Chicago
In 2008 we were once again in the spotlight with the City of Chicago with news that particular alderman were considering legislation meant specifically for the City of Chicago. Several members of our association met with city officials and began a dialogue making sure that properly licensed and insured agencies would have some input in any upcoming legislation. When the City of Chicago without public publication placed ordinance 4-226-070 into effect on May 5, 2009 most of us found ourselves unprepared and in serious jeopardy of being out of compliance. The IRA stepped in and with the assistance of other associations was able to get a 30-day stay in order for all to comply.
State of Illinois HB4715
In early 2010 one of our directors Tom Wentling had received information that the State of Illinois had pending legislation prohibiting the sale of lockout tools to repossession companies and other types of businesses, the towing industry had an exception. After working diligently with meetings with the State Senators and a strong letter writing campaign, corrections were put in place. At our meeting June 3, 2010 Tom Wentling provided an update that HB4715 had passed and our corrections including licensed repossessors to be exempt from this bill.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned there were countless hundreds of hours of work not including meetings with:
- State Senators
- Attorneys
- City of Chicago aldermen
- City of Chicago Business office
- Illinois Banking Association
- Towing Associations
- Illinois Credit Union League
- Illinois Police Chiefs Association
- Illinois Secretary of State
The Illinois Recovery Association is here to work for you!
