In the early hours of January 13, House Bill 3563, formerly House Bill 163, a dangerous criminal justice reform proposal passed out of the Senate. Sen. Rezin voted no.
State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) issued the following statement in opposition to the measure:
“At 3 a.m. today, Senate Democrats dropped their final proposal for criminal justice reform, which was well over 700 pages. Then we were only given an hour to review this legislation before it was called for a final vote. This is no way to pass laws, especially a bill that will completely overhaul our criminal justice system, tying the hands of our judges and law enforcement.
“This bill is an extreme proposal that will empower criminals while hurting our law enforcement efforts to keep us safe.
“I stand with the men and women who take to the streets day-after-day to serve and protect. I am utterly disappointed in both the outcome of this vote and the process that it came about. A bill of this magnitude should not be rammed through the General Assembly in the middle of the night of lame duck session. The citizens of Illinois should have been given a chance to provide their input.
“What we just witnessed is no way to conduct business.”
House Bill 3563 passed the Senate by a vote of 32 to 23.