Rockford Sun

At a Capitol press conference, House Republican State Representatives Patrick Windhorst, David Friess, Dan Ugaste, and John Cabello unveiled a legislative package focused on public safety, law enforcement support, and victim assistance. Cabello expressed concern about the treatment of criminals over law-abiding citizens, stating, "There is a concerning trend we see here in Illinois where criminals are treated better than law-abiding citizens."

Windhorst, who leads the Truth in Public Safety working group, highlighted the group's efforts in crafting meaningful reforms, saying, "The bills we are highlighting today will improve public safety, hold criminals accountable, and provide needed support to our police officers and law enforcement." Friess emphasized the importance of the legislative package, stating, "Our communities deserve to be safe, and our law-abiding citizens deserve to feel secure."

The legislative package includes bills such as HB 5120, which widens the detention net to all felonies, and HB 5121, which calls for the revocation of pre-trial release for defendants charged with offenses while on release. Windhorst stressed the importance of these changes, stating, "We do not have to accept the status quo of rising crime, violence in our communities, and the loss of our police officers."

The legislative package aims to support and protect crime victims, enhance judges' discretion in felony cases, and ensure law enforcement can effectively carry out their duties. The bills introduced by House Republicans also address issues such as mental health services for those found unfit to stand trial and the creation of a county co-responder model to assist victims in need.

In conclusion, Windhorst expressed readiness to collaborate with Democrat supermajorities in the House and Senate to improve public safety and restore law and order in Illinois, stating, "We can get to work together today to make important changes to protect our communities, stop crime, and save lives."