Sen. Patrick Joyce Dodges Police Bill: 'Legislation Was Rushed'

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR, IL — Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce is among the trio of senators who did not give a "yes" or "no" vote on the now passed House Bill 3653 — A bill that would enable various police reforms throughout the state. The bill was authored by the Legislative Black Caucus, after protests against police brutality occurred in summer 2020.

If signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the house bill would make Illinois the first state in the nation to end cash bail, starting in 2023. It would also require all officers to wear body cameras by 2025, expand the process for revoking the certification of officers found to have engaged in misconduct, and enact many other measures, including creating statewide use-of-force standards and expanding required training.

The 40th District Senator represents parts of Cook, Will, Kankakee and Grundy counties, including areas of Homewood, Flossmoor, Chicago Heights, Olympia Fields, Park Forest and more. Joyce released a statement on Jan. 14, stating he believes in reform, and was actively involved in negotiations of the bill.

"I contacted municipalities, pastors, the NAACP and law enforcement in my district to get their input and concerns, and brought that feedback directly to the sponsor, so it would be considered as measures were drafted," Joyce said.

He then continued on to explain why he chose not to vote on the legislation. Making him one of three senators who did not make a vote.

“When it came time to vote, I was concerned that a ‘no’ vote might have signaled that I do not think reform is needed—but I was not comfortable voting ‘yes’ on legislation that clearly needed more time and work. I therefore made the conscious choice not to vote on the legislation," he said.

Around 4 a.m. Jan. 12, state Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) introduced the 764-page amendment that creates five new acts and amends more than a half-dozen more. It was approved by a 32-23 vote, with five Democratic senators voting against it and three others not voting. The bill then headed to the House for concurrence, and with about an hour remaining before the end of the term, passed by a vote of 60-50.

Joyce continued to say the legislation would have passed regardless of his support, but felt it was important to make his concerns of the legislation being rushed known. He said there was "virtually no time to sort through it."

"Our criminal justice system could be improved, but last-minute amendments and hasty negotiations will not help us reach that goal," Joyce said. "I look forward to continuing the discussion of careful, thoughtful, tailored reforms by engaging all stakeholders and granting this important subject the time it deserves."

If Pritzker signs the bill, most of the law is due to take effect July 1, although several clauses do not have to be implemented until the first day of 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025. Pritzker had indicated he will sign the bill, over the objections of law enforcement groups. Those who back the bill say it will increase police accountability and reduce inequities in the criminal law system.

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