How Illinois families can face eviction for crimes they didn’t commit

By Austin Berg

08/16/2019

“Crime-free housing” ordinances have clearly gone too far. And Illinoisans shouldn’t feel like unwanted guests in their own homes.

TAGS: crime-free housing, criminal justice reform, Granite City, Institute for Justice

New Illinois law ends $120 fee to clear false criminal records in Cook County

By Vincent Caruso

08/09/2019

A bill signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker will renew a pilot program in Cook County that waives fees for the expungement or sealing of criminal records for those who have been wrongfully accused of a crime.

TAGS: Arthur Turner, criminal justice reform, expungement, Jacqueline Collins, JB Pritzker

Pritzker signs bill increasing penalties for texting, driving, crashing and hurting someone

07/22/2019

Drivers who text and cause a crash that seriously hurts someone will face steep penalties under new state law. Ticket was $75 but increases to $1,000 plus license loss for a year.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, distracted driving, Norrine Hammond

Illinois becomes 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana

By Vincent Caruso, Austin Berg

06/25/2019

The Land of Lincoln is the first state to legalize recreational marijuana via the legislative process rather than a ballot initiative.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, JB Pritzker, marijuana

Illinois lawmakers pass marijuana legalization

By Vincent Caruso

05/31/2019

A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois is en route to the highest office in the state.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, Kelly Cassidy, legalization, licensing, marijuana, regulations

Illinois Senate unanimously votes to help wrongfully accused clear their name

04/05/2019

Illinois state senators voted 53-0 to extend a pilot program that would waive the fee to expunge or seal records for those wrongfully arrested or charged with a crime in Cook County.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, Jacqueline Collins

Illinoisans sentenced to life as ex-cons, even after offenses are no longer crimes

By Vincent Caruso

03/25/2019

Illinois lawmakers’ approach to some minor criminal offenses has evolved, but not their treatment of the related criminal records that can haunt someone for life. A pair of bills could change that.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, Justin Slaughter, Laura Fine

Restoring Justice Act would give less time to Illinoisans when their offense becomes less of a crime

By Vincent Caruso

02/14/2019

As Illinois works to decriminalize minor offenses, the Restoring Justice Act would adjust sentences for past offenders.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, Illinois’ Cannabis Control, JB Pritzker, Kelly Cassidy, La Shawn Ford, marijuana

Chicago ‘tow-and-sell’ operation flips 50K cars, buries drivers in debt

By Vincent Caruso

01/22/2019

Chicago has seized and sold nearly 50,000 impounded vehicles since 2011, hitching drivers to mounting debts, a recent investigation found. The city’s ticketing laws disproportionately harm low-income residents.

TAGS: Chicago, criminal justice reform, overcriminalization, Rahm Emanuel

Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2019

By Vincent Caruso

12/19/2018

In 2018, Springfield handed Illinoisans more of the same repackaged policy failures. Lawmakers in the coming year should tape to their desks this wish list of taxpayer-friendly reforms.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, criminal justice reform, education, graduated income tax, income tax, pensions, prison reform, progressive income tax, property taxes, school choice, school district consolidation, sentencing reform, spending cap, U.S. Census Bureau

criminal justice reform

How Illinois families can face eviction for crimes they didn’t commit

New Illinois law ends $120 fee to clear false criminal records in Cook County

Pritzker signs bill increasing penalties for texting, driving, crashing and hurting someone

Illinois becomes 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana

Illinois lawmakers pass marijuana legalization

Illinois Senate unanimously votes to help wrongfully accused clear their name

Illinoisans sentenced to life as ex-cons, even after offenses are no longer crimes

Restoring Justice Act would give less time to Illinoisans when their offense becomes less of a crime

Chicago ‘tow-and-sell’ operation flips 50K cars, buries drivers in debt

Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2019

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students