Rauner signs bill removing barriers for human trafficking survivors

By Janelle Cammenga

09/04/2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed into law a measure allowing human trafficking survivors to apply to have their criminal records sealed for offences committed under coercion.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, criminal justice reform, human trafficking, Toi Hutchinson

Momentum builds for pardon of Peoria man who served 15 years for drug offense

By Joe Kaiser

08/28/2018

Jason Spyres was arrested on drug charges nearly 20 years ago. In the years since, he’s been on a path of personal success and growth. A pardon from Gov. Bruce Rauner should follow.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, marijuana, sentencing reform

Rauner signs bill allowing medical marijuana alternative for opioid prescriptions

By Vincent Caruso

08/28/2018

The Alternative to Opioids Act will give more Illinoisans the option to treat pain with medical marijuana.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, criminal justice reform, decriminalization, marijuana, opioid, Toi Hutchinson

Chicago police caught using ‘bait truck’ in South Side neighborhood

By Vincent Caruso

08/09/2018

In what critics have decried as an inappropriate use of scarce public safety resources, Chicago police officials parked a “bait truck” reportedly filled with boxes of Nike sneakers in the city’s Englewood neighborhood.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, criminal justice reform

Report: Recidivism to cost Illinois more than $13B over next 5 years

By Vincent Caruso

08/03/2018

Even a small decrease in the recidivism rate can yield millions of dollars in taxpayer savings while improving public safety.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, prison reform, recidivism

Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail

By Joe Barnas

06/29/2018

Illinois remains one of only four states to impose severe restrictions on the purchase and use of consumer fireworks.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, fireworks ban, regulations

Manteno case sheds light on absurdity, severity of Illinois’ eavesdropping law

By Austin Berg

06/23/2018

Illinois’ eavesdropping law is clear as mud on the matter of recording authority figures, which has led to a number of contentious legal battles and attempts at reform in recent years. Boron is not alone.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, eavesdropping

Illinois 13-year-old charged with eavesdropping felony for recording meeting with principal

By Austin Berg

06/21/2018

Illinois’ eavesdropping law is one of the nation’s most severe, but leaves ample room for ambiguity.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, eavesdropping

En route to Rauner’s desk: Victories for licensing reform, regulatory rollback and axing golden parachutes

By Mindy Ruckman

06/19/2018

Nearly 600 bills are on their way to the governor, some of which would be encouraging changes to the status quo.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Carol Sente, criminal justice reform, Dan McConchie, Illinois Tollway, occupational licensing, Pam Althoff, Paul Schimpf, regulations, Thomas Cullerton, transparency

General Assembly passes bill expanding medical marijuana access as opioid alternative

By Eddie Damstra

06/07/2018

Lawmakers in Springfield are seeking to offer patients with debilitating conditions the option to replace opioids with medical marijuana.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, marijuana