At least three Illinois House members say they want a special legislative session to strike on issues of law enforcement reform and accountability while police brutality has the nation’s focus.
That session would deal with issues such as the appointment of a special prosecutor when someone dies at the hand of police, said state Rep. Curtis Tarver, a Chicago Democrat, whose district runs down the south and southeast sides of the city. Other representatives sending a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate calling for a special session are Chicago Democrats Kam Buckner and Lamont Robinson.
Tarver said among bills he would like to see addressed include one that would strip officers found guilty of crimes such as murder, child exploitation or criminal sexual assault of pension.
“We have to hold law enforcement to a higher standard. And I don't think in an age where people are already concerned about a ballooning pension crisis, that we should be paying the pensions of individuals who commit those types of crimes as taxpayers.”
Spokespeople for Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Senate President Don Harmon said those leaders are open to a special session. House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman did not return a call as of early Wednesday evening. But Pritzker has the power to call a special session.
Tarver said, “If we were able to go back for a few days, and get things done at the end of May, and we have these issues that are pretty pervasive, then we should have the opportunity to go back now that we know we can do it safely, to go back and really address issues like that have been highlighted by George Floyd and other situations.”
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