Kankakee Times

State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) has introduced legislation to increase penalties for repeat offenders. The bills follow the Dec. 30, 2021, murder of Bradley Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic and the critical injury of officer Tyler Bailey who were ambushed after responding to a nuisance call about a barking dog.

In a statement Feb. 17, Haas said the suspected gunman has since been found to be a habitual offender, with over 20 arrests and 40 charges with various crimes over the past seven years.

“This is a hardened criminal who didn’t even blink when he made the decision to kill Sgt. Rittmanic while she pleaded for her life unarmed in front of him,” Haas said. “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.”

She said House Bill 4809 makes taking an officer’s body camera or any part of the camera in order to prevent arrest or prosecution an obstruction of justice, while House Bill 4808 creates the offense of being a habitual misdemeanant.

“If an individual has three or more pending charges for misdemeanor domestic battery, battery, violation of an order of protection or criminal damage to property of a family or household member, then that defendant may be charged as a habitual misdemeanant offender. This would be a Class 4 felony,” Haas said of HB 4808.

House Bill 4684 extends SAFE-T Act requirements on the amount of time elapsed after an individual is detained before being brought to trial from 90 days to 120 days to ensure there is adequate time to prepare a case to bring to trial. House Bill 4683 increases the penalty for aggravated domestic battery, making the sentence no less than six years and no more than 30 years.

Two House resolutions introduced by Haas likewise aim to honor Rittmanic and Bailey for their service and sacrifice by providing important tools to support law enforcement officers. 

“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. Please, let's work together to make this a bipartisan victory for public safety,” Haas said.

Haas introduced her bills in January and they were assigned to the House Judiciary Criminal Committee.

Since their introduction, several Republican House members have joined Haas as co-sponsors.

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