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The
controversial legislation passed the previous General Assembly
in January 2021. It brought about sweeping changes to the
state’s criminal justice system and regulations on police.
Lawmakers passed three trailer bills with various clarifications
since then.
Regardless, the measure faced several lawsuits from around the
state from state’s attorneys and sheriffs of both political
parties. Those lawsuits seeking to block implementation have
been consolidated into a single case to be heard in Kankakee
County Dec. 20.
Last week, during veto session, lawmakers along party lines
approved additional amendments to the measure addressing some,
but not all, concerns.
“I’m pleased that the General Assembly has passed clarifications
that uphold the principle we fought to protect: to bring an end
to a system where wealthy violent offenders can buy their way
out of jail, while less fortunate nonviolent offenders wait in
jail for trial,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement
announcing he signed the measure. “Advocates and lawmakers came
together and put in hours of work to strengthen and clarify this
law, uphold our commitment to equity, and keep people safe.”
The bill clarifies what serious crimes an individual can be held
for pretrial, like murder, arson, kidnapping and more. It also
clarifies that law enforcement can arrest someone who is
trespassing, but only after first issuing a citation. There are
other measures clarifying the process of warrants and summonses
for failure to appear, and updates to the requirements for
police worn body cameras, among other changes.
Republicans said the bill was flawed from the beginning and that
the amendments proved that. They argued for the measure to be
scrapped altogether, saying the measure makes Illinois streets
less safe.
Greg Bishop reports on Illinois government and
other issues for The Center Square. Bishop has years of
award-winning broadcast experience and hosts the WMAY Morning
Newsfeed out of Springfield.
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