A controversial police reform bill that has been opposed by most of the police agencies in the state has passed both the House and Senate and will now head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
The bill passed the House with a 60-50 vote after it previously passed the Senate in the middle of the night with a 32-23 vote.
Many policing agencies have voiced concern over the bill since its inception.
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge, FOP Labor Council, FOP Chicago Lodge 7, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police released a statement saying the bill was pushed through with very little transparency, nor time for constituents to voice their thoughts.
"We are extremely disappointed and saddened in the process, the lack of discussion with members of the law enforcement community, and the ultimate outcome in the Illinois General Assembly today,” the statement read. “The lawmakers who voted in favor of this criminal-favoring legislation ignored the pleas of more than 112,000 petition-signing citizens and refused to listen to the concerns of law enforcement.”
The coalition of agencies said communities would now be less safe.
“Our communities will be less safe if this legislation is signed into law,” the statement said. “We urge Governor J.B. Pritzker to stand up for the majority of Illinois citizens who value their lives, possessions and well-being and veto this bill and its extreme provisions. Today's outcome, although it is ominous for Illinois, does not diminish our commitment. Our members will continue to use all authorized means to protect every community."
The bill was backed by the Black Caucus. The changes include making changes to the state’s use-of-force guidelines, making body cameras required for every police department in the state, ending cash bail, and stripping collective bargaining rights that are related to discipline from police unions.
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