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Governor Pritzker signs criminal reform bill Monday

Illinois lawmakers in Springfield

A new and controversial law was signed into effect by Governor Pritzker on Monday. This law significantly changes the was that police and the courts handle crime in Illinois. Proponents of the bill say it will make law enforcement fairer and promote justice, but detractors say it will make communities less safe. According to the Chicago Tribune the bill:

"will end cash bail beginning in 2023, require police officers statewide to wear body cameras by 2025, eliminate requirements for signing sworn affidavits when filing complaints against officers, and create a more robust statewide system for tracking police misconduct and decertifying officers who commit wrongdoing, among a host of other changes." (Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs sweeping Illinois criminal justice overhaul, which will end cash bail starting in 2023)

In the same article in the Chicago tribune, Governor Pritzker stated:

“This legislation marks a substantial step toward dismantling the systemic racism that plagues our communities, our state and our nation and brings us closer to true safety, true fairness and true justice.”

However, Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin stated:

“The governor’s support of House Bill 3653 is an insult to our first responders, law enforcement and the law-abiding citizens of Illinois who want to live free of violence and destruction from the criminal element,” the Western Springs Republican said in a statement. (Pritzker hails newly signed criminal justice reform bill as ‘substantial step’ in erasing ‘systemic racism’)

Critics of this bill note that it includes the following controversial positions:

Requires police to provide a predicate offense for resisting arrest, essentially meaning that any resistance by suspects, the first blame will be placed on the officers themselves on why the resistance occurred.
Eliminates monetary bail.
Prohibits agencies from publishing booking photos on social media sites.
Affidavits no longer required for police misconduct complaints, meaning there is no accountability when a citizen lies about a police officer.
Removes discipline from collective bargaining.
Complicates police use of force according to long-established “reasonableness” standards of the Supreme Court.
Requires the use of body cameras statewide by 2025 and makes it a felony for failing to turn on the camera while prohibiting officers from reviewing any footage. (Alabama Chief thanks Illinois Governor for sending him officers after police reform bill is passed)