ILCS » Chapter 740 · Act 125
Illinois Compiled Statutes

740 ILCS 125/1 (2026)

(a) When any governmental unit in this State has expended resources in a search for any person over the age of 18 who has been reported as missing, a cause of action exists against the person reported missing in favor of the governmental unit or units conducting a police search to recover amounts reasonably expended by the governmental unit or units where:         (1) Such person knew or should have known that a     police search for him was in progress;         (2) Such person was not prevented by any other person     from informing the police agency searching for him of his whereabouts and that he was not in danger, or from informing another person who could so inform the police agency; and         (3) Such person failed, without good cause, to inform     such police agency or another person who could inform such police agency that a search was not necessary

✓ current as of May 2026
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(740 ILCS 125/1) (from Ch. 70, par. 851)
    Sec. 1. (a) When any governmental unit in this State has expended resources in a search for any person over the age of 18 who has been reported as missing, a cause of action exists against the person reported missing in favor of the governmental unit or units conducting a police search to recover amounts reasonably expended by the governmental unit or units where:
        (1) Such person knew or should have known that a
    
police search for him was in progress;
        (2) Such person was not prevented by any other person
    
from informing the police agency searching for him of his whereabouts and that he was not in danger, or from informing another person who could so inform the police agency; and
        (3) Such person failed, without good cause, to inform
    
such police agency or another person who could inform such police agency that a search was not necessary.
    (b) When any governmental unit in this State has expended resources in a search for a noncustodial parent who conceals, detains or removes a child under the age of 18 from jurisdiction of the court in violation of a court order or without the consent of the lawful custodian of the child and in search of that child, who has been reported as missing, a cause of action exists against the noncustodial parent in favor of the governmental unit or units conducting a police search to recover amounts reasonably expended by the governmental unit or units. For purposes of subsection (b), "detains" and "lawful custodian" have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 10-5 of the Criminal Code of 2012.
    (c) The causes of action under subsections (a) and (b) shall lie for all amounts reasonably expended in the search and any amounts expended in the enforcement of the actions, including reasonable attorney's fees, litigation expenses, and court costs. Punitive damages shall not be awarded.
(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 2005–2005 · leading case: Vill. of Glenview v. Zwick, 826 N.E.2d 1171 (Ill. App. Ct. 2005).
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Vill. of Glenview v. Zwick, 826 N.E.2d 1171 (Ill. App. Ct. 2005). · cites it 2× “se right to property is wrongfully challenged can recover reasonable attorney fees); 705 ILCS 225/1 (West 2002) (in action brought by mechanic, artisan, miner, laborer, servant or employee for wages, attorney fees are available if amount claimed in action is found to be amount…”
Vill. of Glenview v. Zwick (Ill. App. Ct. 2005). · cites it 2× “se right to property is wrongfully challenged can recover reasonable attorney fees); 705 ILCS 225/1 (West 2002) (in action brought by mechanic, artisan, miner, laborer, servant or employee for wages, attorney fees are available if amount claimed in action is found to be amount…”
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