Senate Republicans warn, “This is how you steal an election,” as Democrats pass drastic change to election law
During the week Republican lawmakers stood in defiance of a controversial new law that will drastically change the state’s election laws in the middle of an election cycle that has already started to favor entrenched incumbents and reduce competition at the ballot box.
Senate Bill 2412, hastily filed just hours before a vote in the House and a day before a vote in the Senate, makes significant changes to the rules for an election process that is already underway. Most notably, it would end the slating process currently taking place in districts throughout the state, eliminating challengers entrenched incumbents could face in November.
For prospective candidates who have spent more than a month gathering signatures and rearranging their lives, their family’s lives, and their jobs to run for office, it could mean the end of the road.
Republican legislators called this a blatant power grab by Illinois Democrats afraid of competition for their incumbents in the general election. They characterized the bill as an attempt to change the rules midgame by Democrat lawmakers prioritizing control of the election process over the rights of Illinoisians to have free and fair elections. They noted that the legislation would further erode public trust in the electoral process.
Republican lawmakers in both the Illinois Senate and House stood in protest, voting “present” on the controversial measure. They contend that the rushed proposal is patently unfair and undemocratic, allowing Democrat lawmakers to undermine the election process.
Rather than upholding the integrity of Illinois’ election process, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law just hours after telling reporters he hadn’t yet reviewed the proposal.
State Senator Terri Bryant said the bill is a slap in the face to the concept of free elections. She said that at a time when many voters have lost confidence in elections, the state should not be giving them good reason to further lose faith in democracy.
Legislation Introduced to Increase Penalties for Fleeing and Strengthen Detention Standards for Domestic Abusers
In response to the growing number of dangerous incidents involving suspects fleeing from police and endangering motorists, Senate Republican lawmakers gathered with local law enforcement representatives to unveil new legislation designed to hold suspects accountable in these situations.
Senate Bill 1807, proposed by Senate Republican Leader John Curran, targets individuals who evade law enforcement. It proposes stricter penalties for those who flee and elude authorities. Currently, fleeing and eluding are only Class A misdemeanors.
Under Senator Curran’s proposal, fleeing and eluding would now be classified as a Class 4 Felony, making it clear that offenders would be held accountable for their actions.
Republican lawmakers also discussed pending legislation that would change the presumption on domestic violence cases with bodily injury to a presumption to detain, sending an unequivocal message that the State of Illinois will hold violent domestic abusers accountable and prevent victims, primarily women and children, from retaliation and further harm.
Lawmakers hope the proposed legislation will receive fair consideration before the General Assembly’s adjournment, which is currently scheduled for May 24th.
Fallen Officers Remembered in Springfield
Officers who gave their lives in the line of duty were honored at the annual Police Officer Memorial Ceremony on May 2nd at the State Capitol complex in Springfield.
Joined by their loved ones and colleagues from various law enforcement agencies statewide, attendees gather to recognize the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect and pay tribute to fallen heroes killed in the line of duty.
This year’s honorees include Chicago Police Officer Andres Mauricio Vasquez Lasso, Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Makayla Preston, Cicero Police Officer John Francis Kane, Montgomery County Sheriff Ray Boston, Sangamon County Deputy Sheriff Andrew H. Sloan, and Chicago Police Detective Todd C. Gillerlain.
DCEO Funding Opportunities
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has updated their website with available grant opportunities. Available grants include Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets, Illinois Grocery Initiative, State Job Training and Workforce Programs, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and more.
All available grants can be found on the DCEO website by clicking here.
Legislation to Educate Drivers on Hazardous Materials Advances
Legislation designed to educate drivers about the dangers of hazardous materials that vehicles are transporting on Illinois roadways passed the Senate.
Senate Bill 3406, sponsored by Senator Steve McClure, mandates the inclusion of hazardous material placard education in the state’s Rules of the Road publication, a key resource in driver’s education classes. The legislation aims to educate drivers so that they know when hazardous materials are being transported on the roads with them.
This bill comes in response to a deadly accident in 2023 involving a tanker carrying 7,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia that claimed five lives and injured 11.
Senate Bill 3406 passed the Senate and now awaits action in the Illinois House.