CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Governor Pritzker signed the Criminal Justice Reform Bill in to law on Monday. Critics are labeling it as potentially dangerous. Backers deny it, and say the full story is still being written.
Much of the debate about the Criminal Justice Reform Law centers on its eventually ending cash bail, and provisions concerning allegations of police misconduct. But it also diverts low-level drug crimes into treatment programs and expands training for police officers.
Bertha Pernell, who lost a son to gun violence, was at the bill signing. She appreciates the upgrade of services for crime victims.
"The pain of my son's loss will never go away, but today, today I am filled with hope about the lives that we can save with this law," Pernell said.
Several Republican elected officials, including House GOP Leader Jim Durkin, call House Bill 3653 an insult to first responders, law enforcement, and law-abiding citizens.
Barrington State Representative Martin McLaughlin said the Governor signed a bill passed with no support of any law enforcement groups and no public input. That’s not entirely true, though. The sponsor said there were nine public hearings over four months.
Suburban Hazel Crest Police Chief Mitchell Davis, with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, said his group supports most of the provisions.
"NOBLE remains encouraged by these changes. Professionally, there are elements of House Bill 3653 that we feel need to be addressed. It is our belief that many of these issues are the result of unintended consequences," Davis said.
The bill's backers said they will work with law enforcement to make changes, if needed.
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