SE Illinois News

State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) claimed that the criminal justice reform bill backed by Democrats in both chambers does not solve the problem.

"From a practical sense, it's just more of the same defund the police rhetoric," Bailey told the SE Illinois News, while he was still a state representative in the 101st General Assembly and before the legislation was adopted. "It's a disgrace to the men and women that serve and protect and would be the final straw that breaks the camel's back. If this bill pasts, law enforcement would be handicapped beyond repair and you would see officers walking away in droves."

In the final hours of the 101st Legislative Session, the Democratic-led House and Senate approved the sweeping criminal justice reform bill on Jan. 13.

Some of the reforms include doing away with cash bails and requiring officers to wear body cameras. The final version also removed the clause that allowed the state to deny funds to municipalities that don't comply with body camera regulations.

With support coming from the Legislative Black Caucus, it awaits the signature of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Lawmakers pushed forward with the reform legislation following the multiple deaths of Black Americans by police officers recently, including the high-profile incidents of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and Breonna Taylor, who was shot by police in her Louisville, Kentucky home.

Bailey said he is concerned that the legislation was being advanced for all the wrong reasons.

"The only reason we're even in Springfield right now is so Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) can attempt to pin down the votes he needs to be reelected as speaker," he said. "He needs votes, and Democrats always seem to sell themselves out and I believe that's part of what we're seeing happen right now with these Chicago Democrats."

Democrats did not pick Madigan to continue as House speaker. Instead, Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) was appointed — making him the first Black American to hold the post.