Illinois Bill Would Fundamentally Change Criminal Justice System With Police Reform Efforts

Illinois' House Bill 163 is causing quite a stir. The proposed legislation would make some significant police reforms: It would end cash bail, allow for anonymous complaints against police officers, expand police training, prohibit chokeholds, and make it easier to ban police officers from working at departments across the state, to name a few.
Arguably the most important part of this bill is the Pretrial Fairness Act, which serves to abolish cash bail. If passed, Illinois would be the first to do so. Instead of waiting in jail, the judge would issue pretrial release conditions. There's no questioning the fact that cash bail is racist and classist, as it disproportionately affects minorities. Those who are incarcerated before their trial are far more likely to end up with longer prison sentences. They also have a lot to lose while waiting in jail, like their jobs, housing, or custody of their children. The idea of eliminating the cash bond raises an important question: Should finances really have an effect on someone's incarceration?

The police reform aspect of House Bill 163 is what makes it most controversial. Many are worried that taking such drastic measures so quickly isn't the responsible thing to do. They argue the bill would jeopardize public safety with its fundamental changes. In response to these concerns, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx stated:

"the spirit of Illinois House Bill 163 is meant to build trust in police departments across Illinois while addressing long-needed problems to alter unfair criminal justice policies rooted in systemic racism that result in our jails and prisons being disproportionately occupied by Black and Brown individuals."

We are glad to see these types of policy reform legislation making their way to various states. If you need help getting your record cleared after a past arrest or conviction, contact the experts at EasyExpunctions.com.