Repeat gun offenders in Illinois face tougher sentencing guidelines under a bill signed into law Gov. Bruce Rauner recently, according to a press release.
Senate Bill 1722 also makes changes to the state's rehabilitation guidelines as a means of fighting gang violence and creates a program for first-time weapons offenders to root out the motivation for their crime.
According to the press release, SB 1722 is the result of work from the Legislature, the Rauner Administration and the city of Chicago. Among those present for the bill signing were House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Wester Springs) Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
“This legislation provides new tools for law enforcement and the courts to take on violent crime, while providing a second chance for non-violent, first-time offenders,” Rauner said in a statement. “This shows what is possible when leaders at all levels of government work together, and across party lines, to address the challenges facing our cities and state. It took several months of hard work, compromise and bipartisan cooperation — but together, we got it done.”
The bill also drew praise from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who thanked Rauner, Raoul and Durkin.
"Improving public safety is everyone’s responsibility, and this law will help make neighborhoods across Illinois stronger, safer and more secure,” Emanuel said.
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