SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) released the following statement on the appointment of Judge Lisa Holder White to the Illinois Supreme Court:

“I wanted to take time to congratulate Judge Lisa Holder White on her appointment to our state’s highest court. She is the first Black woman to ever serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, and I commend her on her years of hard work and commitment to equal justice under the law which led her to this momentous occasion.”

SPRINGFIELD – Two new measures were recently signed into law to provide greater support for law enforcement agencies to hire and retain officers. Both laws were backed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Our law enforcement officers selflessly protect our communities and keep us safe in the face of danger,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law will offer additional support to recruit the next generation of police officers.”

Loughran Cappel advocated for House Bill 3863, which creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and help with retention strategies.

EAST ST. LOUIS – The East St. Louis Police Department will have a pilot program to provide essential resources and assistance to victims thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Tuesday.

“Crime victims need to have sufficient resources to recover after a traumatic event,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Bringing a pilot program to East St. Louis gives Metro East residents affected by crime access to vital resources.”

The new law creates the Co-Responder Pilot Program in the East St. Louis Police Department in the 57^th Senate District. The unit’s primary focus will be providing crisis intervention, case management, advocacy and ongoing emotional support to victims of all crimes, particularly to victims of crimes that cause a high level of trauma.

Peoria - A trio of public safety measures were signed into law Tuesday, which will empower crime survivors, protect victims and address the root causes of crime while also helping law enforcement recruit qualified officers.

One new law, formerly House Bill 4736, authorizes the creation and funding of the Co-Responders Pilot Program. The pilot will support police in areas across the state in teaming up with social service agencies to address the root causes of disturbances or crime. Initial programs will launch in Peoria, Springfield, East St. Louis, and Waukegan in the next six months. The new law also creates a grant program to create tip hotlines or other victim and witness resources. 

“Everyone in every zip code should feel comfortable being able to walk down the street,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “No matter where you are, who you are or where you live you should deserve to feel comfortable and safe. This measure does that by expanding witness protection and by incorporating the voices and needs of stakeholders and survivors.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has a new law on the books to recruit and retain police officers, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) serves as the chief cosponsor of House Bill 3863 signed into law on Tuesday, which creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to aid municipalities, higher education facilities, and other nonprofits in the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers.

“Our law enforcement officers are on the front lines keeping our communities safe,” Hastings said. “Ensuring our police departments are adequately staffed is a key component of giving these brave men and women the tools to perform their jobs.”

ELGIN - State Senator Cristina Castro supported a new law signed Tuesday that creates the Crime Reduction Task Force to address rising rates of crime throughout the state.

“Many of our neighbors are concerned about violence in our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “That’s why my colleagues in the General Assembly and I prioritized public safety measures this year to keep Illinoisans safe by addressing the root causes of violence.”

The Crime Reduction Task Force will be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals, and survivors tasked with exploring ways to reduce crime in Illinois and presenting a report to the General Assembly and governor with their findings.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) newly signed law will provide police officers with additional tools and training opportunities to help keep communities safe. 

“One message that I frequently hear across the district is that public safety and a rise in crime continue to be a major concern,” Morrison said. “Yet staffing shortages are hindering police from best protecting their communities.

Morrison championed House Bill 3863, which creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and help with retention strategies.

The measure will provide grants to law enforcement agencies for hiring and retention of officers. Funds could also be used for mental health care for officers, safety equipment and training, or improvements in jails. Mental health services for inmates could also be funded through this grant.

“This law will help keep our communities safer,” Morrison said. “These efforts support the valuable work that law enforcement does in our communities and in our state every day and every hour.”

Morrison’s House Bill 3863 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect immediately. 

CHICAGO – Thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Illinois will take a hard look at addressing rising rates of crime in the state.

“The root causes of violence do not have just one fix,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “Having a diverse set of participants, including justice-involved members of the public, people from civil liberties and domestic violence prevention organizations and more will give survivors of violence a true seat at the table in addressing violence in our communities.”

The Crime Reduction Task Force will be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors tasked with exploring ways to reduce crime in Illinois and presenting a report to the General Assembly and governor with their findings.