(SPRINGFIELD) Some Democrats and electoral rights groups in Illinois want progress on legislation in Springfield that would give people in prison across the state the ability to vote just weeks after being convicted of a felony or lesser crime. Some in favor of the bill cite the Illinois Constitution, which says an incarcerated person must have their right to vote restored by the completion of their sentence, leaving room for lawmakers to decide when “before release” that is. House Bill 5414 would allow felons and others in prison to have their voting rights restored just 21 days after conviction. No votes have been taken so far in either the State House or Senate.
(SPRINGFIELD An Illinois measure to prohibit the sale and manufacture of handguns, that some lawmakers say are “easily convertible” from semi-automatic to full-auto, could be approved before the end of the spring session this week. House Bill 4471 would not ban the possession of such handguns, but would prohibit them from being sold, transferred, and/or manufactured. Lawmakers have until this coming Sunday, May 31st, to pass bills for an immediate effective date with simple majorities. Many say the bill will do nothing to cut crime.
(MT. VERNON) A Saline County man is in custody awaiting his first court appearance after being detained and charged with three counts of First Degree Murder (Class M Felony). 41 year old Justin D. Maloney of Raleigh, Illinois, was arrested last Friday following a homicide investigation conducted by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8, at the request of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. It was shortly after 9:00 last week on Wednesday night that authorities responded to a 9-1-1 call referencing a residential burglary was in progress at a home on Chapel Road in Raleigh. Upon arrival deputies located a 16 year old male gunshot victim who was transported to an area hospital and later was pronounced deceased. No further details and/or information are available from authorities at this time.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Board of Elections is reminding candidates that today is the final day to file new party and/or independent nomination papers. The Board reminds everyone that all petitions must be filed at the Board’s Offices in Springfield by 5:00 this afternoon.