Grundy Reporter

State Senator Sue Rezin voted on November 8th to extend a criminal penalty enhancement aimed at keeping felons convicted of gun crimes in prison for longer periods. The Senate passed House Bill 1440 with a 41-12 vote, but it seems to have hit a roadblock in the House of Representatives. As a result, the criminal penalty enhancement is set to expire at the end of this year.

The original statute was enacted at the behest of law enforcement agencies, who sought to ensure that violent repeat offenders and gang members remain incarcerated. However, the failure to extend the law has raised concerns about public safety.

Senator Rezin expressed her disappointment with the lack of action from the House, stating, "The partisan games being played to kill this statute will make our state less safe. Allowing violent gun criminals to be back on the streets sooner puts our communities at risk."

The expiration of this law means that convicted felons who have committed gun-related offenses may be released earlier than intended. By extending the criminal penalty enhancement, the Senate aimed to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to keep repeat gun offenders behind bars and off the streets.

Law enforcement agencies have supported the extension, emphasizing the importance of deterring gun-related crimes and protecting communities. They argue that keeping violent gun criminals in prison for longer periods contributes to a safer society.

Without the extension, however, the criminal penalty enhancement will sunset, potentially leading to the release of dangerous individuals who have previously committed gun crimes. This has raised concerns among citizens who fear an increase in gun violence and its impact on community safety.

Efforts to address this issue continue, but it remains uncertain whether the House of Representatives will take action to extend the law. In the meantime, Senator Rezin and other supporters of the criminal penalty enhancement are urging their colleagues to prioritize public safety and reconsider their stance.

As the debate unfolds, the fate of House Bill 1440 remains uncertain. The consequences of its expiration could have far-reaching implications for the safety and security of communities across the state.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatorrezin.com/2023/11/13/senate-extends-law-to-hold-repeat-gun-offenders-house-refuses-to-take-action/