Illinois Governor Signs Sweeping Criminal-Justice Overhaul
February 23, 2021 8:37AM CST
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Governor JB Pritzker has signed into law a sweeping overhaul of policing and criminal justice in Illinois. Pritzker signed the law Monday that eliminates the cash bail system come 2023, requires police agencies to equip officers with body cameras and sets stricter rules for use of force by law enforcement.
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus designed the measure that was pushed through with little debate during the last moments of the January veto session.
The bill was opposed by nearly every county State’s Attorney (though Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Reinhart supported it), and most police and Sheriff’s associations, who say it will hamstring police and discourage talented people from joining law enforcement.
