Latest news with #HouseBill3458
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois bill proposes mental health defense for attacks on police
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An Illinois legislator has introduced a bill that allows an offender who attacks a police officer to claim a legal defense if they say they were suffering a mental health episode. House Bill 3458, introduced by Rep. Lisa Davis (D) would provide 'a defense to aggravated battery when the individual battered is a peace officer and the officer responded to an incident in which the officer interacted with a person whom a reasonable officer could believe was having a mental health episode and the person with whom the officer interacted has a documented mental illness and acted abruptly.' Under current Illinois law, a person can be charged with aggravated battery if they attack a police officer, fireman, security officer, correctional officer, or Department of Human Services employee. 'Let me be clear: Excusing bad and violent behavior under the guise of mental health is totally inappropriate,' said Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), a former police officer. 'This idea puts officers at greater risk, dismisses the seriousness of mental health, and makes law enforcement's job even tougher.' 'Time and time again, we see Democrats claim they support law enforcement, while their policies tell a different story,' said Cabello. 'Instead of giving police the tools they need to fight crime, they push laws that make their jobs harder and put criminals first.' The bill has been referred to the Rules Committee for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois Dem lawmaker pushes bill to legalize attacks on police for people having mental health episode
An Illinois lawmaker has introduced a bill that critics say will make it legal for anyone experiencing a mental health episode to attack police officers. Democratic state Rep. Lisa Davis, an attorney in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender's office, introduced House Bill 3458 in February. Under the terms of the legislation, the bill would "[provide] that it is a defense to aggravated battery when the individual battered is a peace officer and the officer responded to an incident in which the officer interacted with a person whom a reasonable officer could believe was having a mental health episode and the person with whom the officer interacted has a documented mental illness and acted abruptly." 'Pro-criminal': Blue State Sheriff Unloads On 'Disgusting' Bill Targeting The Right To Self-defense The bill has picked up two co-sponsors, Reps. Marcus Evans and Kelly Cassidy. Currently, a person in Illinois can be charged with aggravated battery if they attack "an individual whom the person knows to be a peace officer, community policing volunteer, fireman, private security officer, correctional institution employee, or Department of Human Services employee supervising or controlling sexually dangerous persons or sexually violent persons." Read On The Fox News App Second Cop City, a blog that reports on Chicago policing matters, first reported on the bill. Trump Supporting California Sheriff Launches Republican Run For Governor In Race To Succeed Newsom "If this passes, mental illness will be an excuse to attack and beat police officers," the blog states. "In fact, who wants to bet there will be thousands of people who suddenly have doctor notes that permit them to attack cops?" Davis' proposal would legalize attacks on peace officers. Other first responders would be spared, such as firefighters, like her husband, CWB Chicago reported. The bill has been referred to the Illinois General Assembly Rules Committee, where unpopular legislation goes to die, the news report states. Fox News Digital has reached out to Davis and the Chicago chapter of the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of article source: Illinois Dem lawmaker pushes bill to legalize attacks on police for people having mental health episode
Fox News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Illinois Dem lawmaker pushes bill to legalize attacks on police for people having mental health episode
An Illinois lawmaker has introduced a bill that critics say will make it legal for anyone experiencing a mental health episode to attack police officers. Democratic state Rep. Lisa Davis, an attorney in the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender's office, introduced House Bill 3458 in February. Under the terms of the legislation, the bill would "[provide] that it is a defense to aggravated battery when the individual battered is a peace officer and the officer responded to an incident in which the officer interacted with a person whom a reasonable officer could believe was having a mental health episode and the person with whom the officer interacted has a documented mental illness and acted abruptly." The bill has picked up two co-sponsors, Reps. Marcus Evans and Kelly Cassidy. Currently, a person in Illinois can be charged with aggravated battery if they attack "an individual whom the person knows to be a peace officer, community policing volunteer, fireman, private security officer, correctional institution employee, or Department of Human Services employee supervising or controlling sexually dangerous persons or sexually violent persons." Second Cop City, a blog that reports on Chicago policing matters, first reported on the bill. "If this passes, mental illness will be an excuse to attack and beat police officers," the blog states. "In fact, who wants to bet there will be thousands of people who suddenly have doctor notes that permit them to attack cops?" Davis' proposal would legalize attacks on peace officers. Other first responders would be spared, such as firefighters, like her husband, CWB Chicago reported. The bill has been referred to the Illinois General Assembly Rules Committee, where unpopular legislation goes to die, the news report states. Fox News Digital has reached out to Davis and the Chicago chapter of the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.
