Rockford Sun

State Senator Dave Syverson has voted in favor of extending a criminal penalty enhancement aimed at keeping felons convicted of gun crimes incarcerated for longer periods. The Senate passed House Bill 1440 with a vote of 41-12. However, the bill seems to have hit a roadblock in the House of Representatives, which means the criminal penalty enhancement will expire at the end of this year.

Law enforcement originally requested the statute to help them keep violent repeat offenders and gang members off the streets. Senator Syverson is concerned that the failure to extend this law will have detrimental effects on public safety, as it would allow violent gun criminals to be released sooner.

In regards to the lack of progress in the House, Senator Syverson stated, "The partisan games used to kill the statute will make the state less safe." He believes that the refusal to take action on this important measure jeopardizes the well-being of the community by allowing dangerous individuals to return to society earlier.

The bill's failure to move forward in the House of Representatives raises concerns about the effectiveness of the state's efforts to combat gun-related crimes. Without the criminal penalty enhancement, the ability to keep violent offenders behind bars for extended periods will be severely restricted.

Law enforcement agencies have expressed disappointment in the House's lack of action. They rely on this statute to help them in their mission to maintain public safety. Failure to extend this law undermines their efforts and leaves them with limited tools to combat the issue of repeat gun offenses.

As the end of the year approaches, it becomes imperative for the House of Representatives to reconsider their stance on House Bill 1440. The safety of the community should be the priority, and extending the criminal penalty enhancement is a vital step in ensuring that violent gun offenders are held accountable for their actions.

The consequences of allowing this statute to sunset could be far-reaching, impacting the lives of innocent individuals who could potentially become victims of repeat gun offenders. The public deserves to be protected, and it is the responsibility of lawmakers to take action to prevent further harm.

Without the support of the House, the criminal penalty enhancement faces an uncertain fate. It is crucial for legislators to put aside partisan differences and prioritize the safety and well-being of the community. The Senate has already demonstrated its commitment to public safety by passing House Bill 1440, and now it is up to the House of Representatives to do the same.

In conclusion, the failure of the House of Representatives to take action on House Bill 1440, which seeks to extend a criminal penalty enhancement aimed at keeping felons convicted of gun crimes behind bars, raises concerns about public safety. Senator Dave Syverson expressed his disappointment, stating that this inaction allows violent gun criminals to be back on the streets sooner. It is crucial for the House to reconsider their stance and prioritize the safety of the community by extending the criminal penalty enhancement.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatordavesyverson.com/2023/11/13/senate-extends-law-to-hold-repeat-gun-offenders-house-refuses-to-take-action/