Rep. Patrick Windhorst | Facebook
Rep. Patrick Windhorst | Facebook
Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), a former prosecutor, said House Bill 3653 is flawed and will create a more difficult job for police officers.
According to Windhorst, the omnibus bill is full of double definitions and ambiguous language. He said these technical issues will make the bill a threat to public safety.
One major argument he presented was the unacceptable removal of cash bail.
“There are numerous examples from across the country, from New York to California, as to why ending cash bail is a bad idea,” Windhorst said. “Under this bill, we have a significant concern that criminals who commit acts of violence and other dangerous crimes, such as robbery, burglary, and arson, will be right back out on the streets within days, able to victimize more people. This is not acceptable.”
The bill, according to him, also makes police officers worry about their safety, and its lack of clarity will create uncertainty for officers among other unintended consequences. He speculates recruiting good officers will likewise be a challenge once the bill is made into law.
Windhorst said that the only option is for the governor to veto the bill.
“Gov. Pritzer, veto house bill 3653,” Windhorst said.
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