Republican Bill Targets Enhanced Transparency with Citizen Involvement in Policing

Republican Bill Targets Enhanced Transparency with Citizen Involvement in Policing

The bill, which was presented in the Illinois General Assembly on Friday by state representatives Dennis Tipsword of Metamora and Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello, allegedly “clarifies” a provision that was passed last year that permits non-citizens who are permitted to carry firearms to be employed as law enforcement personnel.

The citizenship requirement for deputies and police officers is reinstated by House Bill 5790 as it was prior to the modification made last year.

A federal judge in Northern Illinois decided earlier this month that a Mexican man living in the country illegally had a constitutional right to own a pistol for self-defense, which House Republicans claim pushed them to take this step. In 2020, the man was taken into custody for breaking a federal law that forbids unauthorized immigrants from owning firearms.

“We want the legislative intent to be clear: illegal immigrants do not have the right to possess firearms period,” stated Cabello, among other things.

The Republican Truth in Public Safety working group includes Tipsword, the head deputy in Woodford County, and Cabello, a member of the Rockford Police Department.

Three bills were introduced by the working group on Thursday. A third amends the SAFE-T act procedure for issuing warrants based on a defendant’s failure to appear in court.

The first two broaden the list of charges that qualify for detention based on the offender’s potential for threat. The third revokes the pretrial release of a defendant in the event that they are charged with a new offense.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.