Preckwinkle’s Key Criminal Justice Initiative,
Reducing Automatic Transfers, Wins Approval in Illinois
The Illinois General Assembly today gave final approval to legislation that will ensure that nearly 70 percent of Cook County youth will no longer be automatically transferred to adult court when facing certain criminal offenses. HB 3718 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 79-32. The bill previously passed the Senate on May 19.
The legislation will also require data tracking that will bring transparency to the process and finally allow Illinois to meet federal reporting requirements on disproportionate minority contact and transfer.
Restoring judicial discretion in the transfer of youth to adult courts has been Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles top criminal justice initiative this year.
I am pleased this bill to end an unjust, overbroad, and misguided law received the support of a bipartisan group of legislators, Preckwinkle said. I urge the governor to sign the legislation and allow judges to make decisions after hearing from both sides and considering all of the evidence as to whether a child should be tried in adult court or if they are better suited for the rehabilitative nature of juvenile court.
http://www.cookcountyil.gov/2015/06/01/initiative-reducing-automatic-transfers-wins-approval/
how the blue do it. i am sure rauner will sign this, as he has stated that reducing the prison population is a high priority.