Illinois State Rep. removes traffic stop bill from consideration

Posted on February 5, 2024
The bill is no longer being considered. (Photo courtesy: Illinois Sheriff’s Association)

By Blake Haas

SPRINGFIELD – A State Representative is no longer moving a bill forward that would have restricted traffic stops.

The bill, presented by Representative Justin Slaughter, would have prevented authorities from pulling over drivers with expired registration stickers, driving without a seatbelt, and other equipment failures.

However, Representative Slaughter called the Illinois Sheriff’s Association last week to say he was no longer moving the bill this season.

“The bill was written significantly broader than he intended, but nonetheless he will not move the bill this year. He did want to highlight that he wanted to give (the Sheriff’s Association) credit for him not calling the bill,” said Jim Kaitschuk, Executive Director of the ISA. “Any future discussions we will be a part of. He took ownership of the issue and apologized for how this process was laid out.”

Many local departments, like the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office, voiced their disagreement with the bill.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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