SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), the Illinois Senate Democrats joined police advocates Monday to unveil a legislative package aimed at supporting law enforcement officers and improving the state’s criminal justice system.

“The law enforcement community protect us every day. This package of pro-law enforcement legislation will protect them by creating new grant opportunities, offer investigative resources and help to retain officers,” Joyce said

To help promote fair compensation across the state, House Bill 4228 requires a county sheriffs’ salary to equal at least 80% of the county’s state’s attorney’s salary. House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and improve retention strategies.

Body cameras are critical for keeping officers safe as well as improving quality of evidence and reducing liability for agencies. House Bill 4608 allows for video retention for evidentiary value and allows grant funds to be used for data storage costs.

In an effort to improve the correctional system and reduce recidivism, House Bill 4364 creates the Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Fund to allow the Department of Human Services to offer grants and programs in county jails for incarcerated individuals or people who have been recently discharged.

House Bill 3893 extends a sunset date to allow investigators to continue recording conversations for qualified sex and drug offenses from Jan. 1, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2027.

“I hear the calls almost every day to pass legislation that helps law enforcement,” Joyce said. “I am committed to supporting law enforcement every step of the way.”

Joyce joined the Illinois Sheriff’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois State Police to express support for the package at Monday’s press conference. He plans to work with his colleagues in the Senate to advance the package before the scheduled April 8 adjournment.

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