Rep. Murphy Blasts Dangerous Criminal Justice Reform Bill

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Mike Murphy (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.

“How can we have an open and honest debate about hundreds of pages of legislation if we barely have time to read it and the people of Illinois aren’t even allowed to engage in the discussion about legislation that will fundamentally change policing and public safety in the state?” questioned Murphy. “The short answer – we can’t! Preventing law enforcement, state’s attorney’s, victims’ rights advocates and others from being part of this discussion is an absolute travesty.

“Just as egregious as the language in the bill that will allow many violent felons to walk free before trial, was the handling of debate by the Democrat majority. It was an embarrassment and shows the true colors of their one-party rule. Law enforcement and public safety across our state were irreparably damaged today.”