Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) is promoting legislation that would increase punishments for violent and habitual offenders.

Haas cited the ambush of police officers Marlene Rittmanic and Tyler Bailey as inspiration for the legislation. Rittmanic was killed and Bailey was critically wounded in the attack. The suspect was discovered to be a habitual offender that had been arrested more than 20 times, picking up more than 40 charges in the past seven years.

"This is a hardened criminal who didn’t even blink when he made the decision to kill Sergeant Rittmanic while she pleaded for her life unarmed in front of him," Haas said in a statement. "In light of these events, myself, Sheriff Mike Downey and State's Attorney Jim Rowe knew that something had to be done to prevent crimes like this from happening again. This is why I introduced House Bill 4809, House Bill 4808, House Bill 4684, and House Bill 4683."

House Bill 4809 makes taking any part of an officer's body camera in an attempt to avoid arrest or prosecution an obstruction of justice. 

House Bill 4808 would classify individuals with three or more pending charges for misdemeanor domestic battery, battery, violation of an order of protection or criminal damage to property as habitual misdemeanant offender which would be a Class 4 felony. 

House Bill 4684 would extend the time a suspect is required to be brought to trial from 90 days to 120 days to ensure more time to prepare a case to bring to trial. 

House Bill 4683 increases the penalty for aggravated domestic battery, making the sentence to no less than six years and no more than 30 years.

"These are bills that I've introduced that will protect our law enforcement officers and provide them with important tools to support the critical job of protecting our families," Haas said.

Haas’ resolutions to honor Rittmanic and Bailey were adopted by the House on Feb. 15.

"These bills are my priority and the priority of a community still mourning the loss of Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and still praying for the healing of Officer Bailey," Haas said. "Please, let's work together to make this a bipartisan victory for public safety."

Haas introduced her bills in January and they were assigned to the House Judiciary Criminal Committee. Several Republican House members have joined Haas’ bills as co-sponsors.