A controversial bill reforming parts of Illinois’ criminal justice system is now on the governor’s desk. Violent crime victims and victim advocates, are pleading for a veto.
The measure brings new regulations on police and changes aspects of the criminal justice system. But there was opposition. Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said if people thought it was difficult to get victims and witnesses to speak up about crime now, the bill allows suspects to have extended access to phones.
“It’s going to be far more difficult when we have a defendant in custody, charged, and he’s able to reach out to those individuals or to his friends and make sure that those witnesses and those victims are taken care of,” Lacy said.
Cassandra Tanner-Miller’s infant son was murdered during a domestic violence incident. She pleaded with the governor to think about how the measure could hurt crime victims.
“It’s easy for you to sit there and put a pen to paper, but realize that there are families that are going to be begging for a second chance, begging for a second voice,” she said. “I want you to give that to them.”
She joined Republicans in demanding the governor veto the measure. State Rep. David Welter of Morris, said the bill barely passed in the final hours of a lame duck session.
“It didn’t reach the 60 votes until the last minute,” Welter said. “I imagine there was some arm twisting on the other side to get that bill to that 60 votes, so by no means was this a mandate. They pulled out all the tricks and stops to get this thing passed.”
The governor now has 60 days to act on the measure. He could either sign it or issue a veto. If he does nothing, the measure becomes law.
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