(The Center Square) – Democratic lawmakers are attempting to place more restrictions on Illinois police agencies, this time involving warrants.
State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, has introduced House Bill 1611 that would prevent the use of no-knock warrants on drug offenders unless there is evidence that they are dealers.
Buckner said he was inspired by an incident in 2019 when Chicago police served a no-knock warrant at the home of Anjanette Young. Young was handcuffed while police searched her residence. It was revealed that police had the wrong address.
Young was not injured during the incident but filed a federal lawsuit in 2021. The city of Chicago settled for $2.9 million later that year.
“At its core this bill is about safety,” said Buckner. “Safety for families and safety for law enforcement officers who deserve clarity, consistency and support when carrying out dangerous duties.”
The measure also states that police are only able to execute the warrant between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless the judge, for good cause, expressly authorizes execution at another time.
State Rep. Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora, who is a police officer, said serving a warrant during the day could be a problem.
“When we get into those afternoon hours, now we’ve got kids on the street, extra traffic in the neighborhoods where response vehicles may have to come down, just a lot more folks in the area,” Tipsword said during a House committee Tuesday.
The proposed legislation also would require that officers knock and wait at least 30 seconds before they enter the dwelling.
Illinois State Rifle Association’s Ed Sullivan said his group was never a fan of a majority of no-knock warrants in the first place.
“I don’t know why we want to put my members and law enforcement in harm’s way so for that, we support this bill,” said Sullivan.
The measure passed out of the House Judiciary Criminal Law Committee. Buckner said he will continue conversations with stakeholders before taking it to the House floor.
Greg Bishop contributed to this report.
