A new Illinois law is supposed to make it harder for fugitives to give authorities the slip.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Thursday that's designed to close a loophole in the state's criminal code that effectively exempts relatives from punishment if they aid a family member on the lam.

But the new law makes it a felony for immediate family members to help fugitives avoid arrest. A conviction could result in a maximum 3-year prison sentence and a $25,000 fine.

In a Thursday statement released by his office, Quinn said the legislation will help bring more fugitives to justice.

The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Quinn's office says Illinois had been among 14 states with similar laws offering the exemption to immediate family members.