State Rep. Andrew Chesney has filed a bill widening hate crimes in response to the governor's police reform bill. | Adobe Stock
State Rep. Andrew Chesney has filed a bill widening hate crimes in response to the governor's police reform bill. | Adobe Stock
A Republican lawmaker wants to make harassing a current or retired police officer a "hate crime" in response to law enforcement and criminal justice reforms the governor signed on Feb. 22.
"I don't believe a side-arm and a bullet-proof vest is enough to keep law enforcement safe in light of this legislation becoming law," Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) said in a statement on Feb. 22, Fox affiliate MyStateline.com reported.
The police and criminal justice reforms have received pushback from Republicans and some law enforcement members since it was first announced.
Andrew Chesney
| State of Illinois
Among the police reform bill's key aspects is an end to cash bail by 2023 and the mandatory wearing of police cameras by 2025. In complaints against police, a signature will no longer be needed for signing an affidavit.
Illinois is one of 27 states that have added created new policies in respect to police since May. The state does stand alone in its movement to eliminate financial conditions for releasing people charged with crimes as they await trial.
Chesney's proposal would widen the hate crime definition and add penalties for violence or threats against active and retired police.
Law enforcement now continues the slide into one of the most dangerous professions in Illinois," the Republican lawmaker said. "Considering this, I filed legislation to enhance penalties for those who target our law enforcement for crimes."
Illinois, like many states, reviewed policing laws after a number of blacks were killed by cops and captured on video and posted to social media accounts. Geroge Floyd's death in May was the ignitor for social justice protests that continue to happen in some cities today.
Illinois' reforms have received support from many organizations and individuals, including the influential Black Caucus.
"This legislation marks a substantial step toward dismantling the systemic racism that plagues our communities, our state and our nation and brings us closer to true safety, true fairness and true justice," Pritzker said at the signing of the bill.
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