Ghost guns to be put to rest by Senator Collins

SPRINGFIELD –Illinois Senate Democrats will outline a plan to crack down on the growing threat of unserialized firearms with legislation banning the production and distribution of “ghost guns”–a measure filed by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago).

“My commitment to banning ghost guns and reducing violence in our state has not been, nor will it be, hindered by any obstacle, legislative or otherwise,” Collins said. “So long as we allow fatal gun violence to run rampant in our communities, we leaders do a disservice to the people we represent, and it is my goal to assure the state is tackling these issues at their source.”

With the alarming rise of gun violence in a number of Illinois communities, the existence of untraceable firearms has become a pressing public safety concern. Ghost guns are firearms that lack serial identification, and they are growing in popularity because of their ease of accessibility. Not only can they be ordered online, but they can also be purchased absent a background check or a FOID card, which is required to carry either a firearm or ammunition in Illinois.

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Problem-solving courts updated thanks to measure by Connor and LaPointe

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago), the framework for veterans and service members’ court, drug court, and mental health court will be updated and improved for the first time in years.

“It is vital that the problem-solving courts are made uniform and updated to follow best practices so that individuals have the best chance for success. Courts like drug court, which is very difficult to get into and even harder to finish successfully, try to break the cycle of untreated problems that can often lead to ever increasing installments in jail or prison,” said Connor. “Until we address the root cause in that cycle, it will always continue.”

Senate Bill 2565 addresses the drug court, mental health court, and the veterans and service members court by making the programs more uniform and encourages them to follow evidence-based data to ensure the best chances for breaking cycles.

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Bennett measure to help police protect Illinois communities passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senate Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) passed a measure through the Illinois Senate that addresses the reality of Illinois’ rollout of officer-worn body cameras.

“Protecting our communities is one of my top priorities,” Bennett said. “By clarifying language regarding body cameras and video storage, we can help law enforcement best do their job while also keeping those they protect and serve safe.”

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Feigenholtz spearheads measure to expand use of expressway cameras

SPRINGFIELD – In order to provide law enforcement with more technology to identify and enable them to solve crimes, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) championed a measure through the Senate to permit them to use images from expressway cameras when investigating criminal offenses.

“Camera technology helps solve crimes committed on Lake Shore Drive. Not having a means to identify perpetrators needs to come to an end,” Feigenholtz said. “We must provide our police officers with more resources to close crimes and this is one way we can do it.”

House Bill 260 would allow any municipal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, in addition to Cook County expressways, the ability to use images from expressway cameras to investigate shootings, carjackings, terrorism and forcible felonies. The measure would require the agencies to create a webpage with details about the program objectives and counties where the program is operational.

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