Senate approves Feigenholtz bill to expand law enforcement training on hate crimes

SPRINGFIELD — Chicago’s North Side communities have experienced a steady rise in hate-related incidents in recent years, particularly those directed toward the Jewish community. A critical step in bringing justice to victims and swift punishment to perpetrators is the recorded documentation of hate-related incidents, leading State Senator Sara Feigenholtz to champion a plan that would ensure law enforcement officers are better trained to identify hate crimes in Illinois.

“Hate crimes are rising to unprecedented levels right in our own backyards — underscoring how important it is for law enforcement to be equipped to properly handle each situation,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Expanding training for officers will allow them to fully understand and tackle the scope of the problem, strengthening community safety and fostering an environment where all neighbors feel respected.” 

In 2024, the FBI documented 11,697 hate crimes – a 59% increase compared to 2019 and the second-highest number ever reported since the FBI began collecting data in 1991. 

Although Illinois law currently requires hate crime training for state police officers, there is no comprehensive requirement for all local law enforcement to receive such training.

In response, Feigenholtz led a measure that would direct the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to roll out a training course for law enforcement officers on identifying, responding to and reporting hate crimes and crimes motivated by bias toward an individual’s demographic. The new training would be required for both probationary officers in basic training and for all current law enforcement officers.

“In the wake of a hate crime, those first on the scene need to be prepared to effectively investigate, respond to and report these heinous incidents,” Feigenholtz said. “By strengthening our communities’ partnerships with law enforcement, we are standing together to send the message: Hate has no home in our neighborhood, our city and our state.”

Senate Bill 3697 passed the Senate on Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.