Senate Republicans gathered at the Capitol in Springfield Tuesday to detail an updated set of legislative proposals they say would strengths support for law enforcement and help hold violent criminals accountable. 

The Republicans said that their Democratic colleagues need to take the recent rise of violent crime seriously and pass legislation that will keep violent offenders off the streets, including repealing provisions of 101-HB3653 (Slaughter), the “SAFE-T Act,” which eliminated cash bail and reformed pre-trial sentencing. 

Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign) said that Republicans have continued to work on the legislation that they first proposed in Fall 2021. 

“Just last month in Decatur, we had a police officer shot. Back in October, we said we're here. Let's do this now. Let's take the violent criminals off our streets. Let's take action. Nothing. Crickets. It has been three months since then. Three months? Well, the General Assembly's back to work, it's time to take action. It is past time. How many more people need to be shot, how many cars need to be hijacked, how many more people need to be murdered before the Democrats in this building do something?” Rose said. 

The lawmakers were joined by current and former members of the law enforcement, including recently retired Piatt County Sheriff David Hunt. 

“Democrats made the decision to work on police reform here in Illinois. Some of these reforms caused uncertainty that I felt would have a negative impact on law enforcement officers. A few examples include the cost of unfunded mandates, including data storage, body cams, and training, all without financial assistance. As a sheriff, that means less money for officers on the street. Additionally, ending cash bail completely is a mistake, and that would make it harder to keep violent criminals off the street,” Hunt said. 

Included the Republican’s proposal is SB2918 (Rose), the “Fund the Police Grant Act,” which would provide targeted grants to law enforcement organizations for use with officer training, officer retention, and to assist with the purchase of needed equipment like body cameras. 

“We continue to develop our proposal from the fall that Senator Rose talked about to provide additional resources to law enforcement through the fund the police act. This legislation would provide a direct infusion of $125 million to law enforcement that would provide funding for body cameras for police training, for outreach and community policy programs for hiring and rehiring of officers, and for mental health treatment for individuals who are incarcerated in our prisons,” said Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris).

Sen. Steve McClure (R-Jacksonville) provided additional details on their violence prevention proposals which include mandatory 10 years to life sentences for first offense violent gun convictions, and mandatory life sentences for subsequent convictions. They are also proposing a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for individuals who provide guns to convicted criminals, aimed at curbing the recent rise in carjackings. 

Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Mt. Vernon) said the process by which the SAFE-T Act was passed purposefully alienated law enforcement, which has led to many departures and early retirements. 

“Last January, the Democrats pushed through sweeping changes to our criminal justice system. They pushed through those changes in the middle of the night without public or law enforcement input. A year later, we can safely say that their ‘my way or the highway’ approach has failed. Our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep us safe were cut completely out of the process. The governor and his legislative allies sent a clear signal the voice of law enforcement: you’re not welcome at the table,” Bryant said. 

Allison F Richard

Legislative Consultant

Pritzker Appoints Former Commissioner McCabe to ICC

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Wednesday invited Ann McCabe, a former member of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), to rejoin the regulatory body, appointing her to another five-year term. 

McCabe previously served from March 2012 to January 2017. Since leaving ICC, McCabe worked as a U.S. Program Manager and Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project, a non-profit that assists energy and environmental regulators. 

“The ICC has an important role in the implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which puts Illinois on the path to decarbonization by 2050. The next few years will be the most consequential and impactful in the agency’s 100-year history. Ann brings to the table a tremendous amount of regulatory experience. Her knowledge and expertise about energy and the environment will be invaluable as we make important decisions in the weeks and months ahead,” ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski said in a statement.

McCabe has over 25 years of experience in the energy and environmental policy sectors.  

“I’m grateful to Governor Pritzker for the opportunity to return to the ICC as a Commissioner and to serve the people of Illinois. I’ve devoted much of my life’s work to energy and environmental regulation, and I look forward to using my experience to help guide Illinois’ energy transformation,” McCabe said in a statement.

Demmer Introduces Bill Consolidating Comptroller into Treasurer’s Office

The Illinois Office of the State Comptroller would be eliminated and have its responsibilities transferred to the Office of the State Treasurer under new legislation introduced by Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon).

Demmer said that HC36 would help make government more efficient and save taxpayer dollars. 

 

“Illinois taxpayers would be better served by having one office perform the duties of Comptroller and Treasurer,” Demmer said in a statement. “Reducing state government’s footprint and consolidating functions would achieve savings for taxpayers and streamline the fiscal operations of Illinois in a meaningful way. The late Judy Baar Topinka, who served separate terms in both offices, advocated for combining Comptroller and Treasurer into one position. We can honor her memory and reform an inefficient Madigan-era relic by acting now to let the people of Illinois have the final say on approving this reform later this year.”

Because the positions are outlined in the 1970 Illinois State Constitution, such a change would require supermajority support in the General Assembly and the approval of the voters in the next general election. Demmer sponsored similar legislation in past general assemblies. 

Earlier this month, Demmer announced he would be running for state treasurer against incumbent Democrat Mike Frerichs. 

Dordek Announces Candidacy for Outgoing Harris’ House Seat

Eileen Dordek, a licensed social worker with a background in advocating for women’s issues, will run in the 13th House District to replace outgoing House Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago), she announced Wednesday. 

Dordek is a licensed social worker and therapist who works in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago. She recently chaired the pro-choice political organization Personal PAC-Illinois, and continues to serve on the board of Equality Illinois, an organization supporting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. 

In November 2021, Harris announced he would retire from his position at the end of his term. 

“We were so fortunate to have Leader Greg Harris as our Representative for the past 15 years and as a leader in our state,” Dordek said in a statement. “I have spent my life serving others and advocating for the rights of women, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community. In Springfield, I will be a champion for our community, expanding mental healthcare services, lowering the cost of child care, and expanding paid leave.”

Dordek has raised $65,000 in campaign funds and has secured the endorsements of multiple sitting Democrats, including Sens. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and Laura Fine (D-Glenview), and Reps. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Anna Moeller (D-Elgin). 

In 2019, Dordek ran to represent Ward 47 on Chicago City Council, placing third in the race. 

Bailey Calls for Death Penalty for Murder of Law Enforcement Officers

Illinoisans found guilty of murdering a police officer would be eligible for the death penalty under new legislation recently introduced by Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville).

SB3899 (Bailey) would reinstate the death penalty for those found guilty of first-degree murder of law enforcement officer.

Bailey, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, explained the bill while flanked by law enforcement at the Effingham Police Department Wednesday.

“We need leaders in Springfield willing to stand up and fight for them against a radical agenda that seems to prioritize criminals over cops and puts law enforcement, law enforcement communities, and our families at risk. The men and women who put that uniform on are heroes and their service to our communities must be recognized, and they must be respected in the state of Illinois,” Bailey said.

During the press conference, Bailey said he also supports the repeal of other Democrat-sponsored criminal justice bills that he said give criminals more rights than law enforcement or average citizens.

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

50 ILCS 705 - Illinois Police Training Act.

HB5009

PEACE OFFICER ARBITRATION (Slaughter, J) Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act. Provides that notwithstanding the provisions of the Act and the Uniform Arbitration Act, arbitrators' decisions involving peace officer terminations or suspensions of more than 30 days are subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law. Amends the Uniform Peace Officers' Disciplinary Act. Provides that for purposes of an arbitration proceeding concerning alleged misconduct by a peace officer: (1) a law enforcement agency or, if applicable, a civilian or community oversight board, agency or review body, has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to show that: (1) the officer engaged in the alleged misconduct; and (2) created to oversee disciplinary matters concerning law enforcement officers pursuant to a city charter or ordinance for which a measure that included the question of whether to establish the board, agency, or body. Provides that when the imposed disciplinary action is termination of employment, an arbitrator may not set aside or reduce the imposed disciplinary action if setting aside or reducing the disciplinary action is inconsistent with the public interest in maintaining community trust, enforcing a higher standard of conduct for officers and ensuring an accountable, fair, and just disciplinary process. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall adopt rules that prescribe uniform: (1) standards of conduct, including guidelines and procedures, to which law enforcement officers shall adhere; and (2) disciplinary standards and procedures, including a range of disciplinary actions that may include consideration of aggravating or mitigating circumstances, by which a law enforcement agency, a civilian or community oversight board, agency or review body, and an arbitrator who serves in an arbitration proceeding concerning peace officer discipline. Makes other changes. Bill Version: As Introduced in the House ILCS Section(s) Affected: 50 ILCS 705/6.3; 50 ILCS 705/6.8 new;

Letitia Dewith-Anderson, J.D.

Anderson Legislative Consulting, Ltd., President

Legislative Consultant

(C) 217-553-9086

The Omicron strain of the virus driving the current surge in COVID-19 cases has placed a significant burden on health care workers and institutions, requiring extra measures announced by Gov. J.B. Pritzker Wednesday.  

During a COVID-19 press conference Wednesday, Pritzker said out-of-state health care workers can now continue to work in Illinois during the ongoing public health emergency with expanded permission allowing them to treat all patients, not just those diagnosed with COVID-19. Additionally, doctors trained in other countries may now assist physicians licensed here, and out-of-state providers may now provide telehealth services to Illinoisans. 

“Medical professionals and staff are caring for our family members, for our neighbors, for our friends in this hour of need. They need help, and I'm doing everything that I can to support them as they tackle this latest surge. To give them a reprieve and to expand the number of staffed hospital beds. 2048 health care workers have been deployed across the state. 919 of them are on-site supporting hospitals hit hard by COVID,” Pritzker said Wednesday. 

 

“Throughout this crisis, state government has had to be innovative and agile, to find creative solutions to maintain healthcare capacity during this unprecedented crisis, delivering assistance, waivers and guidance to our healthcare institutions as they pursue creative and safe solutions to build capacity for patient care.”

Pritzker also offered remarks on the efforts his administration undertook to help end the weeklong work stoppage at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), thanking Abbott Laboratories CEO Robert Ford for their cooperation in providing 350,000 rapid COVID-19 tests to CPS on Monday. 

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike continued to urge Illinoisans to get vaccinated and boosted. 

“Our health care workers are burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle as well, to care for COVID patients who could have avoided the hospitalization if they were up to date on their vaccine. I hear people say, ‘Oh, I know someone I know someone who had the vaccine and they still got sick.’ But please don't equate someone with a cough, runny nose, or sore throat to someone having to be admitted into the hospital and [needing] precious hospital resources,” she said. 

“Of the 7.7 million people in Illinois who've been fully vaccinated, 0.08 percent have been hospitalized with COVID. That's not less than 1 percent, that's less than one-tenth of 1 percent.” 

Taking questions from reporters, Pritzker said that the state’s recent adoption of rules requiring employers with over 100 employees to require vaccination was driven by federal mandate. He said full adoption will depend on an issue currently sitting before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“We wanted to give them enough notice ahead of time so they could get prepared in case to the Supreme Court affirms the Biden administration’s request,” he said. 

Pritzker also offered remarks on the efforts his administration undertook to help end the weeklong work stoppage at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), thanking Abbott Laboratories CEO Robert Ford for their cooperation in providing 350,000 rapid COVID-19 tests to CPS on Monday. 

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike continued to urge Illinoisans to get vaccinated and boosted. 

“Our health care workers are burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle as well, to care for COVID patients who could have avoided the hospitalization if they were up to date on their vaccine. I hear people say, ‘Oh, I know someone I know someone who had the vaccine and they still got sick.’ But please don't equate someone with a cough, runny nose, or sore throat to someone having to be admitted into the hospital and [needing] precious hospital resources,” she said. 

“Of the 7.7 million people in Illinois who've been fully vaccinated, 0.08 percent have been hospitalized with COVID. That's not less than 1 percent, that's less than one-tenth of 1 percent.” 

Taking questions from reporters, Pritzker said that the state’s recent adoption of rules requiring employers with over 100 employees to require vaccination was driven by federal mandate. He said full adoption will depend on an issue currently sitting before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“We wanted to give them enough notice ahead of time so they could get prepared in case the Supreme Court affirms the Biden administration’s request,” he said. 

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

STATE OF ILLINOIS ANNOUNCES $8.4 MILLION IN SMALL BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR GRANTS TO REVITALIZE COMMUNITIES

Final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program to revitalize businesses and key commercial districts impacted by 2020’s civil unrest

CHICAGO—The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), announced $8.4 million in additional grants for small businesses and commercial corridors located around the state to help rebuild and revitalize in the wake of last year’s civil unrest. The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities (RDC) provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state.

“A strong pandemic economic recovery includes recognizing that some communities have long been denied their fair share of resources,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through the Rebuild Distressed Communities program, we are delivering $8.4 million in direct grants to over two dozen small businesses and multiple regional economic corridors to build on the impact of our $250 million Back to Business program with an equitable lens.”

"The Rebuild Distressed Communities program is another way for our state to recover, heal, and grow together," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Our administration is committed to economic development that uplifts all of us, and putting our state's small businesses and vulnerable communities at the forefront through this funding is how we expand equity and opportunity across Illinois." 

The RDC program was launched last year by the State of Illinois to help businesses and communities rebuild from civil unrest. In addition to awarding grants to help impacted small business repair damages and rebuild or expand, the program also requested proposals from communities seeking to deliver long-term improvements along commercial corridors where businesses experienced damages during civil unrest. Overall, the RDC program will deploy a total $9.2 million, including 58 small business grants announced earlier this year.

“Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, DCEO is committed to leveraging our federal and state resources to help small businesses and communities hardest hit build back better in the wake of the pandemic,” said DCEO Acting Director Sylvia I. Garcia. “The investments made in this latest round of funding are two fold, helping small businesses repair immediate damages, while also making capital improvements in communities that will bring back foot traffic to commercial corridors and boost economic vitality.”

The State of Illinois worked with grant administrators LISC Chicago and the Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives to select applicants to receive funding. Working with these local partners, DCEO developed a process to connect small businesses with qualified contractors.  The program prioritized local and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) contractors to ensure that job opportunities created by performing repairs and improvements went to those based in communities impacted by unrest. 

“LISC is honored to partner with the State to help Illinois’ small businesses get back on their feet,” said Meghan Harte, Executive Director of LISC Chicago. “The COVID-19 pandemic has already devastated small businesses across the state, undoing generations of economic and entrepreneurial equity that had been built up in our communities. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, and the heartbreaking destruction experienced across Illinois in the summer of 2020 hurt small businesses the most. However, our state’s small businesses are resilient, and we are proud to support them as they rebuild.”

“CNI is proud to work with Governor Pritzker to help minority residents and businesses gain access to statewide repair and construction opportunities,” said David Doig, President of CNI.  “This has helped them compete and succeed in today’s economy while making repairs and improvements to the commercial corridors that grow small businesses and create the jobs and amenities which our communities rely upon. It’s been a privilege to partner with the State of IL, LISC, and the other organizations to advance these critically important objectives.” 
     
Funding awarded to small businesses will pave the way for an array of repairs as well as new construction projects to enhance the viability of local businesses and the communities they serve.  Grants will help cover the cost of reimbursement for damages, insurance deductibles, and construction work related to repairs as a result of civil unrest. The entire list of business grantees are available on DCEO’s website, linked here.

In addition to the small business grants, RDC grants include funding for seven community projects focused on boosting economic vitality in commercial corridors across the state. The commercial corridor projects are:

• Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council $1,498,750 (affordable housing and commercial space),
• City of Aurora, $1,200,000 (corridor enhancements)
• City of East St. Louis, $900,000 (corridor enhancements)
• City of Peoria, $1,200,000 (streetscape)
• South East Chicago Chamber of Commerce, $1,450,000 (fiber optic cable enhancement) 
• West Humboldt Park Development Council, $300,000 (corridor enhancements)
• City of Markham $900,000 (corridor enhancements)

“East St. Louis is excited to utilize the funding provided by this program to repaint the narrative of our community,” Mayor Robert Eastern III, City of East St. Louis. “This resource will be used to expand our efforts to enhance lighting along city streets and to provide new security cameras in one of the city’s busiest and most vibrant corridor, the State Street business district.” 

“During the civil unrest that unfolded in the summer of 2020, 85 businesses and organizations throughout the City of Aurora were the victims of burglaries, criminal damage, and arsons,” said Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross. “This grant will allow us to protect our businesses, residents and visitors into the future and will provide real-time information that will help direct the daily response of our public safety personnel.”

Applications for corridor projects were reviewed and evaluated according to the extent of property damage due to civil unrest, with program priorities being projects that were located in distressed communities, had geographic diversity around the state, and an investment impact that will build resiliency and revitalize the business corridor. In order to qualify for funds, project proposals were required to demonstrate the project would occur within the same block that experienced property damage or on contiguous blocks if required for project continuity.  Funds for the RDC program are from the state’s historic $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Program. 

“The 4600 block of Ashland Avenue has been adversely impacted for decades by the lack of investment in the retail corridor. The result of the civil unrest in June of 2020 further exacerbated an already bad situation, leaving much of the block in physical disarray,” said Craig Chico, President & CEO of Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. “The Rebuild Distressed Communities Grant is creating an opportunity to not only rebuild from those devastating unrest, but this will allow us to build for the future by investing in affordable housing, community, and commercial activities. The entire retail corridor will benefit from this development 4636 South Ashland, which would’ve not occurred without this State Grant.” 

Projects for corridor improvements will repair and improve the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses. The projects were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality, and societal impact.  

“The City of Markham Small Business District will have the benefit of added safety and security through the RDC corridor revitalization funds,” said Roger A. Agpawa, Mayor for the City of Markham. “This investment will allow us to protect this corridor with cameras and programmable smart signage, helping us deliver additional services to local businesses and the community.”

“Thank you, Governor Pritzker.  Amid the challenges of the pandemic, RDC funding has allowed us to restore multiple locations throughout Chicago,” said Michael Donaldson, Owner of NoContract Inc., a chain of cellphone retail stores. “This program provided the opportunity to reopen storefronts, keep workers employed, and offer telecommunication services in the areas we operate, the Southside of Chicago.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Pritzker administration has led with a swift response to the economic impacts facing businesses and communities across the state. To date, over $1.5 billion in assistance has been provided by DCEO alone – including over 9,000 small business grants, workforce training grants, capital improvements, and other forms of community assistance.

Currently, DCEO is accepting applications for additional capital dollars aimed at revitalizing commercial areas in communities across the state. The recently launched Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown program will provide up to $50 million in grants for construction, repair and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life and stimulate economic activity for areas hit hardest during COVID-19. The deadline to apply is today, January 10, 2022. 

For more information on supports available for small businesses, or to learn more about ongoing capital programs, please visit DCEO’s website or follow the department on social @IllinoisDCEO.

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action:  
  
Bill Number: HB 1953
Description: Clarifies various provisions related to the 2022 election cycle.
Action: Signed 
Effective: Immediately

Bill Number: HB 3138
Description: Redraws judicial subcircuit maps to reflect the results of the 2020 census.
Action: Signed 
Effective: Immediately

Bill Number: HB 3512
Description: Trailer bill to Public Act 101-652 that adjusts various provisions and effective dates related to law enforcement training, police decertification, mandatory supervised release, officer-worn body cameras, and other matters.
Action: Signed 
Effective: Immediately, with certain provisions taking effect July 1, 2022

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

Please see below, a list of laws that will impact employers and employees, and will be effective Jan 1, 2022.

• The Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) was amended to create the Violent Crime Victims’ Leave Act, which allows employees who are victims of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of violence to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per any 12-month period to seek medical help, legal assistance, counseling, safety planning, and other assistance. The amendment also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are victims of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of violence.
• Beginning January 1, 2022, IDOL is responsible for maintaining a database that allows the public to search certified payrolls submitted by construction contractors on public works projects subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. This is the result of Public Act 102-0332, which is intended to ensure contractors are complying with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. Contractors are required to file those certified payrolls by the 15th of each month. By the 16th day of each month following the month work was performed, IDOL will make relevant information available to the public. More information about the database can be foundhere.
• There are new health insurance coverage disclosures employers must make to better inform employees in accordance with the Consumer Coverage Disclosure Act. While state health insurance coverage requirements are limited to state-regulated plans, the new law brings transparency by requiring all employers doing business in Illinois to disclose to their employees what group health plans do and do not cover, if they provide group health insurance. Employers offering group health insurance plans in Illinois must provide employees with a comparison of coverage by the employer’s group health plan and the essential health benefits covered by ACA Marketplace health plans sold in Illinois. All in all, there are 42 medical services and treatments that employers must identify as covered or not. IDOL has provided employers guidance and necessary documents to comply with the disclosure requirements on its web site: Consumer Coverage Disclosure Act.
• Trampoline courts will be subject to inspection and permitting under the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act (ARAS) in 2022. IDOL does not allow amusement rides or attractions to operate unless they have been inspected and permitted. Rides and/or attractions are insured and meet predetermined safety standards before operating in Illinois. IDOL crafted legislation to make sure these facilities and employees meet industry standards. At the time of inspection, owners are required to provide documentation for all employees involved with the operation of trampoline equipment that a criminal history records check and sex offender registry check have been conducted, provide documentation they received proper training and have a substance abuse policy in place, which includes random drug testing. To read more about new rules for trampoline courts, click here.

Allison F. Richard

Legislative Consultant

50 ILCS 705 - Illinois Police Training Act.
HB3512	CORRECTIONS-SUPERVISED RELEASE (Slaughter, J) Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall be the authority for setting conditions for mandatory supervised release under specified provisions and determining whether a violation of those conditions warrant revocation of mandatory supervised release or the imposition of other sanctions. Provides that the Board shall hear by at least one member and through a panel of at least 3 members determine the conditions of mandatory supervised release, determine the time of discharge from mandatory supervised release, impose sanctions for violations of mandatory supervised release, and revoke mandatory supervised release for those sentenced under specified provisions. Provides that if a person was originally prosecuted under the provisions of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, sentenced under the provisions of the Act pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and convicted as an adult and committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall, no less than 120 days prior to the date that the person reaches the age of 21, send written notification to the Prisoner Review Board indicating the day upon which the committed person will achieve the age of 21. Requires the Prisoner Review Board to conduct a hearing with no less than 3 members to determine whether or not the minor shall be assigned mandatory supervised release or be transferred to the Department of Corrections prior to the minor's twenty-first birthday. Bill Version: Senate Amendment 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Creates a Review Committee for specified purposes and duties within the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Modifies provisions concerning the membership of the Illinois Law Enforcement Certification Review Panel. Adds requirements concerning the discretionary decertification of full-time and part-time law enforcement officers. Modifies provisions concerning emergency orders of suspension for law enforcement officers. Provides further requirements concerning the officer professional conduct database, transparency, and criminal background investigations. Provides for the use of the terms "law enforcement agency" and "local law enforcement agency" throughout the Act (rather than "government agency" and "local government agency"). Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits police agencies from labeling officer-worn body camera video within the recording medium; provided that the labeling does not alter the actual recording of the incident captured on the officer-worn body camera. Provides that the labels, titles, and tags shall not be construed as altering the body camera video in any way. Amends the Illinois State Police Act. Provides for the disclosure of specified public records in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides requirements concerning the right to communicate with an attorney and family when in police custody. Amends the Pretrial Services Act. Provides that the Supreme Court is encouraged to establish a framework that facilitates the hiring and training of new State-employed pretrial services personnel to serve in jurisdictions without an established and functioning circuit-based pretrial services agency. Defines terms. Makes conforming and other changes. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the mandatory supervised release term for a Class 3 or 4 felony is 12 months, except for certain specified offenses. Provides that no later than 30 days after the onset of the term of mandatory supervised release and at the halfway point into the term of mandatory supervised release, the Prisoner Review Board shall conduct a discretionary discharge review, which shall include the results of a standardized risk and needs assessment tool administered by the Department of Corrections. Provides that nothing in this provision shall be construed to prevent the Prisoner Review Board from performing the discretionary discharge review and issuing a determination prior to the onset of the term of mandatory supervised release. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2022. ILCS Section(s) Affected: 50 ILCS 705/1; 50 ILCS 705/10.1; 50 ILCS 705/10.11; 50 ILCS 705/10.12; 50 ILCS 705/10.13; 50 ILCS 705/10.16; 50 ILCS 705/10.19; 50 ILCS 705/10.2; 50 ILCS 705/10.20; 50 ILCS 705/10.22; 50 ILCS 705/10.6; 50 ILCS 705/2; 50 ILCS 705/3; 50 ILCS 705/3.1; 50 ILCS 705/6; 50 ILCS 705/6.1; 50 ILCS 705/6.2; 50 ILCS 705/6.3; 50 ILCS 705/6.7; 50 ILCS 705/7; 50 ILCS 705/8.1; 50 ILCS 705/8.2; 50 ILCS 705/8.3; 50 ILCS 705/8.4; 50 ILCS 705/9.2;
50 ILCS 706 - Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act.
HB3512	CORRECTIONS-SUPERVISED RELEASE (Slaughter, J) Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall be the authority for setting conditions for mandatory supervised release under specified provisions and determining whether a violation of those conditions warrant revocation of mandatory supervised release or the imposition of other sanctions. Provides that the Board shall hear by at least one member and through a panel of at least 3 members determine the conditions of mandatory supervised release, determine the time of discharge from mandatory supervised release, impose sanctions for violations of mandatory supervised release, and revoke mandatory supervised release for those sentenced under specified provisions. Provides that if a person was originally prosecuted under the provisions of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, sentenced under the provisions of the Act pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and convicted as an adult and committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall, no less than 120 days prior to the date that the person reaches the age of 21, send written notification to the Prisoner Review Board indicating the day upon which the committed person will achieve the age of 21. Requires the Prisoner Review Board to conduct a hearing with no less than 3 members to determine whether or not the minor shall be assigned mandatory supervised release or be transferred to the Department of Corrections prior to the minor's twenty-first birthday. Bill Version: Senate Amendment 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Creates a Review Committee for specified purposes and duties within the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board. Modifies provisions concerning the membership of the Illinois Law Enforcement Certification Review Panel. Adds requirements concerning the discretionary decertification of full-time and part-time law enforcement officers. Modifies provisions concerning emergency orders of suspension for law enforcement officers. Provides further requirements concerning the officer professional conduct database, transparency, and criminal background investigations. Provides for the use of the terms "law enforcement agency" and "local law enforcement agency" throughout the Act (rather than "government agency" and "local government agency"). Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Provides that nothing in the Act prohibits police agencies from labeling officer-worn body camera video within the recording medium; provided that the labeling does not alter the actual recording of the incident captured on the officer-worn body camera. Provides that the labels, titles, and tags shall not be construed as altering the body camera video in any way. Amends the Illinois State Police Act. Provides for the disclosure of specified public records in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides requirements concerning the right to communicate with an attorney and family when in police custody. Amends the Pretrial Services Act. Provides that the Supreme Court is encouraged to establish a framework that facilitates the hiring and training of new State-employed pretrial services personnel to serve in jurisdictions without an established and functioning circuit-based pretrial services agency. Defines terms. Makes conforming and other changes. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the mandatory supervised release term for a Class 3 or 4 felony is 12 months, except for certain specified offenses. Provides that no later than 30 days after the onset of the term of mandatory supervised release and at the halfway point into the term of mandatory supervised release, the Prisoner Review Board shall conduct a discretionary discharge review, which shall include the results of a standardized risk and needs assessment tool administered by the Department of Corrections. Provides that nothing in this provision shall be construed to prevent the Prisoner Review Board from performing the discretionary discharge review and issuing a determination prior to the onset of the term of mandatory supervised release. Amends the Freedom of Information Act to make a conforming change. Effective January 1, 2022.

Children Under 12 Now Able to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Wednesday announced that it has adopted the CDC’s recommendation that that children ages 5 to 11 receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Pfizer vaccine has already been approved for use in children 12 older. 

“I encourage parents who may have questions about COVID-19 vaccines for their children to talk with a pediatrician or family doctor,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “Medical experts and scientists have reviewed the data, which included clinical trials with more than 3,000 children receiving the vaccine and have recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children. While most children do not suffer severe COVID-19 illness, some do. We also know children are great transmitters and can unknowingly infect people who could suffer severe illness. We need as many people as possible, including children, to be vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus and end this pandemic.”

IDPH reports that 2,200 providers throughout the state are already enrolled and available to vaccinate children. IDPH staff are also available to help hold vaccination drives at schools around the state.

There is no requirement for children to receive a vaccine to attend school. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said this week that such a requirement would require legislative action. 

Pritzker Names Torres Deputy Gov. for Education

Gov. J.B. Pritzker Wednesday announced that Martin V. Torres will serve as the new Deputy Gov. for Education. 

Torres, who previously served in the administration as First Assistant Deputy Gov. for Education and as a Senior Policy Advisor, succeeds Deputy Gov. Jesse Ruiz, who announced his departure on Aug. 25, 2021.

“Martin is a dedicated public servant and trusted advisor whose passion for achieving a quality education for all of our children will continue to be an asset to this administration,” Pritzker said in a statement. “From fighting for education equity at the Latino Policy Forum, to executing our P-20 education agenda and helping bring students safely back to our classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin has done so much to improve the lives of Illinois’ families. I value his insights and look forward to our continued work to ensure a full pandemic recovery and quality education for all of our students.” 

“The Governor and I are focused on making Illinois the best state in the nation to raise children. Illinois students, now more than ever, need additional support to achieve their potential and pursue their dreams,” Torres said in a statement. “This administration is committed to changing the trajectory of students’ lives by expanding access to early care and education, bolstering the state’s investment in the k-12 funding, making college more affordable, and expanding pathways to emerging industries.”

Haley Takes Office as State Homelessness Chief

The Illinois Department of Human Services Wednesday announced the appointment of Christine Haley as State Homelessness Chief. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Haley would be taking the role when he created the position through an executive order issued on Sept. 3, 2021. 

“We have an incredible opportunity to fight homelessness through the collective efforts of persons experiencing homelessness, community providers, and coordinated government departments,” said Christine Haley, State Homelessness Chief.  “I am thankful for Governor Pritzker and his administration for taking the bold steps to create the Interagency Task Force and Community Advisory Council. I look forward to creating a visionary plan with the community to prevent and end homelessness for Illinois residents.”

In her new position, Haley will chair the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and co-chair the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness. She will also craft state policy related reducing and eliminating homelessness and coordinate with other state departments to accomplish those goals. 

Haley previously served as Senior Director of Programs at Housing Opportunities for Women from 2018-2019. 

New Program Provides Released Prisoners State ID

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Wednesday announced a new program that will provide individuals leaving the state’s prisons with a state ID card. 

The State ID Program for Returning Residents program was successfully piloted at 18 Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities this year. It will now expand to serve 27 IDOC facilities by April 2022. The goal is to reduce the amount of time prisoners currently spend gathering documents after they are released and need an ID for employment, housing, etc. 

“The State ID Program for Returning Residents gives people who have served their time in prison a necessary tool as they re-enter their communities,” White said in a statement. “A state ID card is essential to transition back into society.”

“Equipping individuals in custody with the resources they need to reintegrate into their communities successfully reduces the likelihood they will return to IDOC,” IDOC Director Rob Jeffreys said in a statement. “We are proud to work with the Secretary of State and our agency partners to implement innovative solutions that help break the cycle of incarceration for many Illinois families.”

Prior to release, incarcerated individuals work with IDOC staff to gather the necessary documents for a state ID. Once processed and approved by the Secretary of State’s Office, a state ID is given back to IDOC, where they send it back to the appropriate facility to be given to the individual upon release.  

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant

The Illinois House late Wednesday narrowly passed two key Democrat-backed pieces of legislation: the creation of COVID-19 exceptions to the Health Care Right of Conscience Act (HCRCA) and the repeal of the state’s abortion parental notification law. 

The House voted 64-52 to pass an amended version of SB1169 (Fine). House Sponsor Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) said the bill would correct the misuse of a state law that was established decades ago primarily to prevent health care providers from being forced to provide abortions. 

“Contrary to rampant misinformation campaigns, this bill is not a vaccine mandate. In fact, it does not require anyone to do anything. As the bill itself says, this is simply a declaration of existing law and shall not be construed as a new enactment. … the bill before us today simply clarifies the well-established legislative intent of the Health Care Right of Conscience Act,” Gabel said.

House Amendment 3 to SB1169 makes a change within Illinois’ HCRCA, the law that allows individuals to object to receiving or participating in health care services on moral or religious grounds. The bill would specifically exempt treatments such as vaccines that prevent the contraction or transmission of COVID-19. 

In other words, individuals could no longer legally use a moral or religious argument to skirt a COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirement. The change is supported by health care groups including Illinois Hospital Association and opposed by religious organizations, including the Catholic Conference of Illinois. 

“The best approach to the challenges created by sincere conscience objections is not to simply eliminate the right to make conscience objections, but rather to formulate reasonable accommodations that both respect the right of conscience and protect health care workers and patients. The citizens of this State do not have to choose between violating their consciences and maintaining a safe environment for workers; we can do both. In cases involving sincere conscience objections under the HCRCA, we can accomplish this by requiring stringent testing, masking, and appropriate distancing,” the Catholic Conference wrote in a letter to Gov. Pritzker earlier this month. 

Seven Democrats voted against the bill: Reps. Carol Ammons (D-Champaign), Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn), John D’Amico (D-Chicago), Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights), Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), Ann Hurley (D-Chicago), and Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora). Two voted present: Reps. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago) and Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan). 

Republicans on the floor opposed the measure, saying it simply would force vaccination upon Illinoisans and is an extension of the governor’s misuse of his authority where, instead, the Legislature should be taking more direct control. They noted that over 50,000 opponent witness slips were submitted for House Amendment 2, which was largely similar to House Amendment 3. Witness slips were not able to be filed on House Amendment 3.  

“This is absolutely atrocious. This is unbelievable that we're considering this on the House floor. This is not about the health care right of conscience. This is about the last 18 months of unilateral authority from the governor. … They want to remove this so they can force vaccination on us,” said Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis). 

In response to a question from Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Saint Charles) about the effective date on the bill, Gabel said it would become effective June 1, 2022, but the legislative intent of the bill would likely have immediate impacts. 

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont) led a long line of questions pointed at whether or not Gabel’s amendment would constitute a substantial change to the law, or, as Gabel contended, a clarification of the law. Mazzochi said that creating a carve-out specifically for COVID-19 in the law would be unprecedented. 

“This is an unprecedented effort to backdoor a vaccination mandate without any lines of accountability, including at the Legislature, and without any escape valve for religious liberty. Every other vaccine mandate we have in the state of Illinois is specific, limited, and was passed by the Legislature after years of conclusive scientific proof of beneficial outcomes, and they all still allow for religious exemption or independent proof of immunity to satisfy the statute,” she said.

The bill now goes to the Senate for concurrence. 

The House voted 62-51 to approve Senate amendments to HB370 (Gong-Gershowitz), which would repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995, which requires health care providers to notify the parents or guardian of minor seeking an abortion 48 hours before performing the procedure.

Six Democrats voted against the bill: Reps. William Davis (D-Hazel Crest), Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights), Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Lawrence Walsh (D-Joliet), Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa), and Michael Zalewski (D-Riverside). Three other Democrats voted present: Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn), Fred Crespo (D-Streamwood), and Ann Hurley (D-Chicago). 

Sponsor Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) explained that the parental notification law places an “unfair and dangerous burden” on pregnant minors.

“The reasons for repeal are many. The vast majority of young people voluntarily tell a parent about an unplanned pregnancy, and those who cannot tell a parent often involve other family members or trusted adults. The minority of young people who are not able to talk to their parents have serious reasons for not doing so, such as fear of physical or emotional abuse, loss of financial support or homelessness, fear of being forced to give birth against their will, or serious family problems such as a parent who is sick or in prison,” she said. 

House Republicans, like their Senate counterparts, decried the bill as an attack on the rights of parents to raise their children as they see fit and be involved in important life decisions. 

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Litchfield) said that polling shows 72 percent of Illinoisans, most of whom are pro-choice, support notifying a parent or guardian if a minor is seeking an abortion, meaning the issue cuts across traditional pro-choice or pro-life. She said she would prefer that parents are involved, regardless of how they feel about abortion as an issue. 

“For parents who've been notified that their minor daughter is considering an abortion, and they support it, I want them to know. I want them to be able to drive their daughter to the abortion clinic. I want them to be there to care for that daughter afterwards. I want them to know, just as much as I want a parent to know who may be pro-life who may vehemently disagree with that decision. I still want them to support their daughter in that decision. I want them to be there for them,” Bourne said.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) said that the parental notification act is a “gaping hole” in the state’s protective firewall for reproductive rights. 

“We are seeing, anti-abortion politicians all across the country seeking to curb our access to abortion for anyone and everyone. They literally want to just force us all to keep every pregnancy to term regardless of what's happening, regardless of the risks to our lives. Illinois is different, and it's going to stay different. We're going to finish that work today by closing the loophole in our in our firewall,” Cassidy said.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) praised the bill’s passage in a statement. 

“Repealing the Parental Notification Act has been a priority of mine for many years and I am incredibly proud to see it cross the finish line tonight," Welch said in a statement. "I want to congratulate Representative Anna Moeller for all of her hard work, as well as the many advocacy organizations who have joined us in this fight to ensure accessible reproductive healthcare for all." 

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action also praised the passage of the legislation.  

“By passing the Youth Health and Safety Act, Illinois has ensured that young people can choose to involve the people they trust in their health care decisions and are protected from harmful domestic situations and unnecessary judicial interactions. In short, all Illinoisans, regardless of age, now have the full legal autonomy to make decisions about what’s best for their bodies. We look forward to Governor Pritzker upholding his promise to sign this bill when it crosses his desk,” Jennifer Welch, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, said in a statement. 

The bill now heads the governor’s desk, where he has indicated that he will sign the legislation. 

Allison Richard

Legislative Consultant