Chicago Journal
Summary of recent cases brought by the US Attorney in Northern District of Illinois: January 15, 2023
Here is a brief summary of recent cases brought by the US Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois.
Illinois Politics
Illinois State Politics from the Chicago Journal.
Chicago Journal
Illinois governor, sheriffs spar over semiautomatic gun law
Nine in 10 of the state's sheriffs, joining with gun-rights advocates in declaring the prohibition unconstitutional, have sworn off zealous enforcement of the law. The Illinois State Rifle Association plans to file a federal lawsuit challenging the law as early as next week.
Chicago Journal
Senate OKs gun ban, House Dems agree with changes
The Senate plan differs slightly from the recent House-passed version, but despite initial objections from House Democrats, they're expected to approve the measure. Republicans predict the law would be overturned in court as unconstitutional.
Illinois Politics
Pritzker takes 2nd oath as Illinois Governor
As in his first term, there seems little in his way. In the General Assembly, there seems no limit to the extent of Democratic control, and the Democrats have a majority of 5-2 in the Illinois Supreme Court.
Illinois Politics
Lame-duck Illinois lawmakers vote themselves a 16% raise
Not two years into his role as House Speaker, Chris Welch is facing heavy criticism for his lack of transparency and secretive house actions such as this week's unheard of 16% raise to Illinois legislators during a lame-duck session.
Law
Illinois House OKs weapons ban, on to Senate
Critics argued the legislation is unconstitutional and wouldn't survive a court challenge.
Illinois News
Illinois House approves increased abortion protection
The bill, now headed to the Senate, would prevent the governor from surrendering a person charged by another state if the offenses are based on providing or receiving health care that is lawful in Illinois, even if it is illegal in the other state.
Law
Illinois Supreme Court halts elimination of cash bail
The high court said in Saturday's order that the stay was needed to “maintain consistent pretrial procedures throughout Illinois” as the court prepares to hear arguments on the matter.
Chicago Journal
Prosecutors file emergency motion to suspend SAFE-T Act statewide until ILSC can rule on pretrial release
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser filed an emergency motion to the Illinois Supreme Court on Friday asking for a statewide suspension of the enforcement of the controversial SAFE-T Act legislation set to go into effect on Sunday.
Chicago Journal
Critics expect chaos under Illinois bail ban despite ruling
House Republicans on Thursday urged Democrats who approved the plan nearly two years ago to halt and fix the so-called Pretrial Fairness Act that's part of an expansive criminal justice overhaul, after Kankakee County Judge Thomas Cunnington overturned the law.
Chicago Journal
Kankakee County Judge rules portions of Illinois SAFE-T Act unconstitutional
Illinois' controversial SAFE-T Act was scheduled to go into effect statewide on January 1, 2023, but now will be suspended in the 65 Illinois counties who participated in the consolidated lawsuit against Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration and the other legislative leaders named in the suit.
Law
Illinois judge weighing challenge to SAFE-T Act, law ending cash bail
An Illinois judge said he planned to rule by the end of this month on a lawsuit challenging the state’s landmark SAFE-T Act criminal justice overhaul that includes eliminating the setting of cash bail for those accused of crimes to be released from jail.