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newjerseyprelawland-blog · 1 year ago

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Legal Transformations in Illinois

By Anika Ponni, Rutgers University–New Brunswick Class of 2026

August 10, 2023

In late July, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed over 150 bills into law. However, one new law in particular is garnering a lot of attention from all across the country. Starting January of 2024, HB 3751 will allow non-citizens to become police officers. After receiving backlash from conservatives, Pritzker defended the bill by clarifying eligibility. According to Pritzker, only individuals legally allowed to work in the U.S. and also legally own a firearm could qualify to become police officers.

During a press conference, the Illinois Governor explained the new bill, stating that “We have the ability for people who are legally here in this country, and permanent residents and DACA residents, to apply for jobs as police officers” [1].

However, Republicans—such as Congresswomen Mary Miller and Lauren Boebert—were among those to condemn the bill, arguing that the legislation would allow individuals who entered the U.S. illegally to apply for positions as police officers.

Illinois Representative Mary Miller—a Republican—tweeted that “No sane state would allow foreign nationals to arrest their citizens, this is madness!” [2]

An exasperated Pritzker fired back at critics with: “I am tired of the right wing twisting things,” he said. “They put it on Facebook, they tell lies. There are people out there that think we’re just allowing anybody to become a police officer. That’s just not accurate” [1].

Republican Senator Chapin Rose attacked the bill by calling it a “fundamentally bad idea.”

Currently, federal laws prohibit non-U.S. citizens from becoming law enforcement officers.

Groups like the The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) have also expressed their outrage with Pritzker’s new law. In a statement, FOP said: “What message does this legislation send when it allows people who do not have legal status to become the enforcers of our laws?" It was called “...a potential crisis of confidence in law enforcement at a time when…officers need all the public confidence they can get.”

On the other hand, Democratic lawmaker Barbara Hernandez argues that the bill merely stems from already existing norms. For instance, a 2021 federal ruling allowed certain undocumented individuals to work as health care and military service members [2].

The bill was passed in Illinois as a result of statewide police shortages. Thus, in hopes of recruiting more law enforcement personnel, lawmakers have relaxed eligibility requirements.

Former Chicago mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson has also threatened to take any action necessary in order to have the new law repealed. Having already spoken to his attorneys, Wilson is ready for a showdown in court come January 2024, if the bill is still in place [3].

In addition to expanding candidate pools for law enforcement, Governor J.B. Pritzker has also made headlines for recent prison reform measures that are simultaneously taking effect in January 2024. The new law seeks to change Illinois’s current supervised release system. Specifically, it will address the issue of how over 25% of individuals released from prison in Illinois will find themselves incarcerated within three years of their release. Primarily, this is not because of repeat offenses. Rather, it is often due to non-criminal technical infractions, such as failing to check-in with a probation officer.

The new bill will also require that drug tests for parolees can only be ordered if there is “reasonable suspicion of illicit drug use and the basis of that suspicion is documented in the Department of Corrections' case management system.” Additionally, if the offender adheres to all other terms of their release, such as abstaining from drug use and refraining from possessing a firearm, “the Prisoner Review Board ‘shall,’ rather than ‘may,’ reduce the length of the supervision by 90 days if the offender earns a high school diploma, bachelor's degree, career certificate or vocational technical certificate while on supervised release” [4]. Thus, the new measure effectively allows parolees to regain control over their lives by allowing the state supervised release system to function like it was initially intended—as a support system for formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning back into society.

In contrast to HB 3751, the supervised release reform bill has received much more favorable attention. Pritzker’ received activist and rapper Meek Mill’s seal of approval, who stood alongside the Governor during the bill signing. Meek Mill—a former prison inmate and parolee—has become a beacon for criminal justice reform through the REFORM Alliance, a foundation he helped co-found [5].

The true ramifications of these bills on the lives of Illinois residents still remains uncertain, further insights will only be known in January 2024—when these laws are slated to go into effect.

______________________________________________________________

[1] Pritzker defends Illinois bill that allows non-citizens to become police officers. (2023, July

31). NBC Chicago.

s-non-citizens-to-become-police-officers/3197709/

[2] Halon, Y. (2023, August 1). Illinois Gov. Pritzker allows non-US citizens to become police officers with new law: “Fundamentally bad idea.” New York Post. https://nypost.com/2023/08/01/illinois-gov-pritzker-allows-non-us-citizens-to-become-police-officers-with-new-law-fundamentally-bad-idea/

[3] Schneider, S. (2023, July 31). New Illinois law allows non-citizens to become police officers.

FOX 32 Chicago.

[4] Hancock, P. (2023, July 28). Gov. Pritzker signs bill overhauling mandatory supervised release. ABC7 Chicago. https://abc7chicago.com/illinois-new-laws-jb-pritzker-supervised-release-bill/13564563/

[5] Clark, J. (2023, July 28). Pritzker signs law reforming Illinois parole, mandatory supervised release. MyStateline.com. https://www.mystateline.com/news/local-news/pritzker-signs-law-reforming-illinois-parole-mandatory-supervised-release/

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balinkadu · 3 years ago

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Celebrity Deaths: 2021's Fallen Stars

The Kennedy Center Honors returned Sunday bestowing rainbow-ribbon threaded medallions on entertainment icons during festivities that aired at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winner Dick Van Dyke; legendary country artist Garth Brooks; multi-hyphenate Debbie Allen; singer/activist Joan Baez and violinist Midori, were honored late last month in a ceremony reconfigured for pandemic times.

Typically aired in December, the main celebration was filmed over days, sometimes outdoors and in front of smaller audiences across Washington, D.C.'s iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Throughout the two-hour special, hosted by Kennedy Center honoree Gloria Estefan, the year's guests were revered by stars like Bradley Cooper, John Travolta, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Here are some the evening's best moments, tributes and performances:

Garth Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, more receive Kennedy Center Honors in short, small ceremony

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If tomorrow never comes, the artists paying tribute to Brooks will know exactly how much he loved them. The high-energy performer couldn't help but let his emotion show in Sunday's special.

Tears formed in Brooks' eyes as Kelly Clarkson began "The Dance," showcasing her powerful voice, initially without the accompaniment of instruments. Her beautiful tone hit Brooks, and he closed his eyes and takes in the performance. When Clarkson wrapped, Brooks leaped from his chair. "Whooo!" he hollered and placed his hand over his mouth in awe of the original "American Idol" winner.

James Taylor's take on "The River" made Brooks toss his head back in disbelief. Again, tears welled, which he wiped as Taylor sang "'Til what we put off until tomorrow, has become yesterday." And when Jimmie Allen treated the audience to "Friends in Low Places," Brooks couldn't help but get up from his seat. He appeared to mouth to his wife, singer Trisha Yearwood, "Oh, I got to" before rising to his feet, causing others to follow suit and clap along.

Garth Brooks places his hands over his heart during the Kennedy Center Honors festivities. Brooks got visibly choked up, once more, when Gladys Knight appeared to close his tribute with "We Shall Be Free." The two exchanged I love yous, and when Brooks wasn't watching hand over mouth, he was up and singing along. Knight said "I love that song!" before Brooks blew kisses to her on stage.

Happy birthday, Gladys Knight! See her life in pictures

Julie Andrews honors her 'endlessly kind' co-star Paying honor to Van Dyke's many talents, the star's tribute packed in singing, dancing and praise from past co-stars.

Van Dyke's "Bye Bye Birdie" castmate Chita Rivera described him as "Pure joy." Lin-Manuel Miranda, who acted with Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins Returns" said: "Spend five minutes with Dick Van Dyke and you're more alive than you were before."

And the lauding by Van Dyke's "Mary Poppins" co-star Julie Andrews provided all of the feels. She described the talent as "endlessly kind, wildly imaginative, insanely talented and hilariously funny."

Julie Andrews pays tribute to her "Mary Poppins" co-star, Kennedy Center Honoree Dick Van Dyke. She reflected on their friendship that began more than 50 years ago, comparing her pal to Mary Poppins: "Although in truth, I think that Dick is as magical as she is."

The "Sound of Music" star added that like his "Mary Poppins" role Bert, Van Dyke is "an artist, a one-man band, a profound philosopher, a high-stepping showman, and spreader of charm." Bringing it home she said, "Every day is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious with you, Dick."

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Delivery: Varies Your Email Review:Infectious movie musical 'In the Heights' joyfully salsas past its shortcomings

Sturgill Simpson's 'House of the Rising Sun' Joan Baez, a folk singer known for her protest anthems, enjoyed performances from Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, along with Emmylou Harris and Mary Chapin Carpenter, who sang a medley of her hits.

Another standout is Sturgill Simpson's performance of "House of the Rising Sun," covered on Baez's debut album.

Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello introduced Simpson and praised Baez as "a tireless and uncompromising advocate for human rights and social justice." Simpson showed off his deep-to-the-point-of-hauntingly beautiful voice in the cover and Baez swayed back and forth while listening to his rendition.

Vivian Nixon, center, and Phylicia Rashad, far right, were on-hand to celebrate their loved one, Debbie Allen. It's a family affair for Debbie Allen Allen's sister, "Cosby Show" star Phylicia Rashad and Allen's daughter, dancer Vivian Nixon, joined the fête that included the flattering words of singer/choreographer Paula Abdul, "Black-ish" star Tracee Ellis Ross and TV producer Shonda Rhimes, as well as musical numbers from "Dreamgirls" actress Anika Noni Rose and "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens.

"I've known Debbie Allen all her life," Rashad, the older sister, began in her tribute, "She is as she has always been: Full of love and joy. She's a dreamer who makes her dreams come true through determination and great work. No mountain is too high to climb, no pebble too small to pay attention to."

Nixon joined a group of dancers, who performed to numbers from the musical "Sweet Charity," for which Allen received a Tony Award nod for actress in a musical in 1986.

Story from Alkermes A veteran discusses his journey from alcohol dependence The consequences of Rob’s drinking were piling up. His wife filed for divorce. Family stopped including him in events. And now, facing a second DUI, his livelihood as a truck driver was slipping away. See More → Bette Midler raves over 'powerhouse' Midori Midler appeared to show support for her friend, whom Midler worked with on the charitable organization Midori & Friends.

"Although the lovely Midori appears dainty and small, make no mistake. She is a giant and a powerhouse," said Midler.

"In the pantheon of musical legends, she stands shoulder-to-shoulder, chin rest to chin rest with the greatest violinists of all time," the "Beaches" star continued, before referencing her time in the play "Fiddler on the Roof." "I'm someone who knows a thing or two about fiddlers on roofs and off," she cracked.

Phylicia Rashad named new dean of Howard College of Fine Arts

If tomorrow never comes, the artists paying tribute to Brooks will know exactly how much he loved them. The high-energy performer couldn't help but let his emotion show in Sunday's special.

Brooks got visibly choked up, once more, when Gladys Knight appeared to close his tribute with "We Shall Be Free." The two exchanged I love yous, and when Brooks wasn't watching hand over mouth, he was up and singing along. Knight said "I love that song!" before Brooks blew kisses to her on stage.

She reflected on their friendship that began more than 50 years ago, comparing her pal to Mary Poppins: "Although in truth, I think that Dick is as magical as she is."

Joan Baez, a folk singer known for her protest anthems, enjoyed performances from Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell, along with Emmylou Harris and Mary Chapin Carpenter, who sang a medley of her hits.

Another standout is Sturgill Simpson's performance of "House of the Rising Sun," covered on Baez's debut album.

Allen's sister, "Cosby Show" star Phylicia Rashad and Allen's daughter, dancer Vivian Nixon, joined the fête that included the flattering words of singer/choreographer Paula Abdul, "Black-ish" star Tracee Ellis Ross and TV producer Shonda Rhimes, as well as musical numbers from "Dreamgirls" actress Anika Noni Rose and "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens.

Nixon joined a group of dancers, who performed to numbers from the musical "Sweet Charity," for which Allen received a Tony Award nod for actress in a musical in 1986

Midler appeared to show support for her friend, whom Midler worked with on the charitable organization Midori & Friends.

"Although the lovely Midori appears dainty and small, make no mistake. She is a giant and a powerhouse," said Midler.

Phylicia Rashad named new dean of Howard College of Fine Arts

The Kennedy Center Honors returned Sunday bestowing rainbow-ribbon threaded medallions on entertainment icons during festivities that aired at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Throughout the two-hour special, hosted by Kennedy Center honoree Gloria Estefan, the year's guests were revered by stars like Bradley Cooper, John Travolta, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Here are some the evening's best moments, tributes and performances:

Garth Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, more receive Kennedy Center Honors in short, small ceremony

If tomorrow never comes, the artists paying tribute to Brooks will know exactly how much he loved them. The high-energy performer couldn't help but let his emotion show in Sunday's special.

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