FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) The Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Bill was signed into law earlier this year, but faced strong opposition from law enforcement agencies who argued the language created hurdles in effective policing practices.
The General Assembly passed a new bill during the Spring Session in hopes to address some of those concerns, with support from both law enforcement agencies and legislatures who say more work is still to come.
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police opposed the original Criminal Justice Reform Bill as it was written, but now say they are encouraged by the law’s sponsors in negotiating the much needed changes.
Illinois lawmakers pass Criminal Justice Reform Bill
Criminal Justice Reform Bill heads to Gov. Pritzker s desk By Colin Baillie | January 13, 2021 at 5:35 PM CST - Updated January 14 at 11:12 AM
CARTERVILLE, IL. (KFVS) - During a Lame Duck Session, Illinois lawmakers in the House and Senate passed House Bill 3653 on Wednesday, January 13.
The Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Bill was authored by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to rid Illinois of what it calls systemic racism.
Elgie Sims, a Democrat Senator from Chicagoâs southside, is among the 60 senators who voted in favor of the bill.
âI am gratified that the Senate has passed this major reform package, and I believe it is the first step to transforming criminal justice in Illinois in a way that will uplift our communities and support our law enforcement professionals,â said Sims.