[ACLU-CU ALERT] WITNESS SLIP: Retail Theft/Theft Bill called tomorrow

[Champaign County ACLU Announcements]

Dear friends,



*ONCE AGAIN WE NEED YOUR HELP!* We are writing to request witness slips in
support of *HB 1614 (Slaughter)*, the bill to increase the felony threshold
for retail theft. The bill will be called for a vote *tomorrow afternoon,
Tuesday March 5, at 4:00pm in the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee*. The
opposition has a head start on us, so it’s important that we get as many
folks as possible to show their support! Please scroll down to find a link
where you can complete a slip in just a minute or two.



Communities United and ACLU-IL are partnering on this important measure to
reform sentences for low-level property crimes in order to reduce the
number of people sent to prison and/or burdened with felony
records—practices that only harm communities and create barriers which make
recidivism more likely. A fact sheet is attached.



We would be most grateful if you could take a moment to file a slip, and
pass this message along to anyone else in your network who might be
inclined to do the same. Thank you!



HB1614:

·  *WHAT THE BILL DOES:* Sets the felony threshold at $2,000 for retail
theft and theft from $300 and $500 respectively.

·  *WHY HB1614 MATTERS:* As we know, keeping the value of an item so low to
become a felony, is a vehicle to keep criminalizing poverty, mental
disabilities, and substance abuse addiction and another law were the
punishment just doesn't fit the offense. In addition, Illinois has not
adjusted this amount to inflation like many other states have.

To file a witness slip:

1. Go to this link:
http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/116145?committeeHearingId=16603&LegislationId=116145&LegislationDocumentId=147263&GridCurrentCommittees-page=4

2. Fill out the form with your information. If you do not represent a firm
or organization, please write 'self'.

3. For proposition, please click “PROPONENT"

4. For testimony - if you are just filing a slip, choose "record of
appearance only."

5. To submit the created slip, click the button "create slip"

*Thank you!!*



Benjamin G. Ruddell

Director of Criminal Justice Policy

Pronouns: he/him/his

ACLU of Illinois

Office: (312) 201-9740 ext. 328

Cell: (773) 750-6459

150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 600

Chicago, IL 60601
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