Illinois lawmakers voted this week to further fine-tune major police and criminal justice reforms passed last year.
Supporters say the changes to the so-called ‘Safe-T’ Act are part of a compromise worked out with law enforcement groups, allowing more time to implement some of the original reforms.
But State Representative DeAnne Mazzochi of Elmhurst isn’t happy with any part of this legislation or the original measure.
“This bill is not making more people safe. This is a bad bill. It was a bad bill when it was first passed. It is a bad bill today. The Democrats are once again privileging criminals over those who want to abide by the law,” said Mazzochi.
Bill sponsor Representative Justin Slaughter says this will make a solid reform package even better.
“When you look at what we are doing on pretrial fairness and detaining rights, it signifies to communities across the state, especially communities of color, we’re serious about addressing the many disparities we see in our criminal justice system,” said Slaughter.
The latest bill also lets suspects being detained make three phone calls within three hours. Republicans criticize that component, saying the suspect could be using those calls to intimidate witnesses.
