McLean County Times

The Illinois veto session is set to begin next Tuesday, October 24, and will last for two weeks. During this time, lawmakers will not only review Governor Pritzker's vetoes of bills from the spring session but also consider new legislative business. It is worth noting that any new legislation must be approved by a supermajority vote during the veto session, which means that minority Republicans could have a say in the process.

The veto session calendar has been posted online by the Illinois House, and after a break for Halloween, the General Assembly will conclude its work on Thursday, November 9, just before Veterans' Day.

Among the bills that may be discussed during the veto session is SB 76, which addresses the ban on nuclear power plant development in the state. Additionally, House Republicans will be advocating for the renewal of the Invest in Kids scholarship program, which is set to expire at the end of the year. This program provides educational opportunities for thousands of middle and lower-income families.

In the criminal justice system, the elimination of cash bail has raised concerns among prosecutors. McHenry County's top prosecutor described the situation as "absurd" and "incoherent" on the day the no-cash-bail law took effect. Adjustments are being made across the state to comply with the Pretrial Fairness Act, which requires judges to make a determination within 48 hours regarding whether an individual charged with a crime should be held in jail. Non-violent offenders are given a notice to appear in court and are released. However, the implementation of this new law has put a strain on resources, with law enforcement agencies having to familiarize themselves with the changes. In certain counties, there is a shortage of court reporters, public defenders, and even judges, which necessitates the hiring of additional staff and puts a strain on budgets.

In relation to firearms, the Illinois State Police have agreed to hold public hearings to gather input on the registration process under the Democrats' firearms ban. These hearings may lead to refinements of the rules before they become permanent next year.

Moving on to local events, the Eureka-Goodfield Fire Protection District hosted a celebration for the 2023 Summer Reading Program. Fire Chief Craig Neal and his crew were thanked for their support, and the children who participated in the program were commended for their reading accomplishments. The event included fire trucks, ambulances, squad cars, motorcycles, and even a tow truck, along with delicious ice cream.

Harvest time is underway, and visits were made to McLean County and LaSalle County to meet with County Farm Bureau members and Illinois Soybean Association members, respectively. Safety precautions were emphasized, urging drivers to be cautious and watch out for farm equipment on local roadways.

Lastly, the Toluca-Rutland Fire Protection District held its Annual Spaghetti Supper at Capponi's, where attendees enjoyed great food and company. The district was thanked for their ongoing contributions and dedication.

This concludes the update on the veto session, gun registration rules, harvest visits, and local events in Illinois. Stay tuned for further updates on these topics.

Click this link to access more information: https://reptipsword.com/2023/10/20/veto-session-gun-registration-rules-harvest-visits-and-more/