Bomke says new law provides increased protections for Illinois counties         

[JULY 1, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- As a result of a new law sponsored by state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, county jails will no longer be financially responsible for the medical expenses of prisoners who sustain a self-inflicted injury.

Following an incident that resulted in significant financial obligations for Menard County, Menard County State's Attorney Kenneth Baumgarten approached Bomke with a proposal to exempt counties from the responsibility of paying for the medical costs of a prisoner who, during the course of his or her arrest, incurred a self-inflicted wound.

"I'm incredibly pleased that this legislation was signed into law," said Bomke. "No Illinois county should be expected to pay huge sums of money in a situation like the one Menard County officials experienced."

Previously, counties were financially responsible for the medical expenses of an arrestee who suffered any type of injury during the course of his or her arrest.

[Senate Bill 2967]

[News release from Sen. Larry Bomke]