SPRINGFIELD – By signing a controversial criminal justice reform bill into law, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ignored the valid public-safety concerns of law-abiding Illinoisans, especially law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says she strongly opposes House Bill 3653 because little public input was allowed by the lawmakers who ramrodded it through the General Assembly earlier this year, and the Governor who signed it into law on Feb. 22.

“Even after nearly a year of these unprecedented times, during which we have been subjected to government by Executive Order, it is hard to believe these controversial reforms have been signed into law,” Tracy said. “The proponents of this terrible legislation chose not to listen to the strong public outcry of law-abiding citizens, and the concerns of law enforcement officers who protect our streets each and every day.”

The Governor signed House Bill 3653 into law, despite the fact that 83 percent of law enforcement officers feel that this legislation diminishes their ability to respond to calls, AND despite the fact that 99 percent feel that this legislation will embolden criminals.

“Opposition to House Bill 3653 is not about resisting criminal justice reform. We know there are bad actors out there, and changes are needed,” Tracy said. “We had hoped to pull this bill back for more discussion, which would have allowed all of us to come together to craft realistic reforms that protect our communities and keep our law enforcement officers safe. Pritzker’s action today has dashed those hopes.”