Different parts of Illinois’ new criminal justice law take effect on different dates over the next few years. St. Rep. David Welter says that gives people time to campaign for changes to the parts they don’t like.
Welter hopes trailer bills, follow-ups to legislation meant to “clean up” or clarify things, can be passed. But he expects opposition from other lawmakers who just won’t budge.
Welter voted against the bill. He says even now, more than a month after it was quickly introduced and voted on, he’s still reading through it and trying to understand everything with the help of legal staff.
Some parts of the bill, many police departments don’t have a problem with. Body cameras are an example, although that will be a big expense. But if an officer forgets to turn on the camera during a sudden encounter with a criminal, the officer could be charged with a crime. And there’s worry that after police do the work to catch an offender, the offender will immediately go free to break the law again.
Welter spoke at a news conference on the bill in Morris Friday. We’ll have more about this in the coming days.