Rep. Butler Slams Dangerous Law Enforcement Overhaul Bill

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Tim Butler (R-Springfield) issued the following statement in response to the passage of a massive criminal justice overhaul bill in the waning moments of the 101st General Assembly. Amendment 2 to House Bill 3653 passed by a slim margin of 60-50 votes after only being compiled in the middle of the night.

“I am tremendously disappointed by the actions of my Democrat colleagues in the waning hours the 101st General Assembly,” said Butler. “Waiting until the last moment to drop a bill on the floor that is more than 700 pages and will drastically overhaul our public safety system, preventing even a basic level of public review is frankly offensive. This legislation contains cuts to public safety budgets, while opening up officers to punishment and personal liability for unsubstantiated or unverifiable complaints. However, perhaps its worst component, it allows many potentially violent felons to avoid being held in custody. Make no mistake, this legislation is dangerous and makes every community less safe.”