Illinois Republicans are pushing back against newly signed legislation that they say weakens oversight of the Prisoner Review Board (PRB) and puts public safety at risk.
Senate Bill 19, signed recently by Gov. Pritzker, makes sweeping changes to the Illinois PRB including extending member terms from six to eight years. Republicans warn this move shields gubernatorial appointees from accountability at a time when the PRB should be facing more thorough vetting.
The Prisoner Review Board is responsible for determining whether specific individuals, often found guilty of serious offenses, should be granted release. During Governor Pritzker’s administration, the board approved a significantly higher number of releases compared to previous governors, including in several notable cases involving convicted murderers.
Just last year, a parolee released by the board stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death and killed an 11-year-old boy less than 24 hours after his release, an incident that sparked outrage from Republican lawmakers who had repeatedly tried to warn about issues with the board.
State Senator Terri Bryant says SB 19 makes it more difficult for the PRB to keep violent criminals off the streets and shields PRB members from being held accountable by the Senate.
The law takes effect immediately.
Find Your Senator This Summer: Events Around the District
With the spring legislative session now adjourned, members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are returning to their communities to meet directly with constituents and hear their concerns during a series of summer outreach events.
Throughout the summer months, Senate Republicans will be hosting town halls, community visits, and issue-focused forums in districts across Illinois. These events provide opportunities for families, small businesses, and local leaders to speak directly with their elected officials.
Senators will use these events to share updates from the spring session, gather feedback, and continue fighting for the issues that matter most to their constituents, including tax relief, public safety, education accountability, and government transparency.
Illinoisans are encouraged to attend events in their area and connect with their local Republican senator to share ideas, voice concerns, and stay engaged in the legislative process.
The next event:
Senior Health Fair 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 at Red Bud High School in the new gym, 815 Locust Street, Red Bud.