Gov. Pritzker signed House Bill 3656 into law on February 22, 2021 stirring debates amongst the Illinois community. No matter whether you support or are against the bill, it is important to educate yourself on the new protocols the bill has created.
Some of the highlights of the new bill:
• The elimination of cash bail, which allows judges to release people before trial, with the exception of those charged with certain felonies or if the accused person presents a risk of harming others or fleeing
• All police officers must wear body cameras by 2025
• Ban on all police chokeholds
• An end to suspended driver’s licenses for failure to pay
• Amends the State Police Act and the Uniform Peace Officers’ Disciplinary Act to allow for the filing of a complaint against a police officer without a sworn affidavit or other legal documentation
• Allows the filing of a notice of an anonymous complaint to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board for conduct that would qualify an officer for decertification
• Changes on a police officer’s ability to use force
• Allows individuals in police custody the right to make three phone calls as soon as possible upon being taken into police custody, but no later than three hours after arrival at the place of custody
For more information visit: Summary of Provisions in Illinois House Bill 3653: Criminal Justice Omnibus Bill | The Civic Federation