Some of the recommendations in a report spurred on by Illinois’ governor to reform the state’s criminal justice system can be implemented by the executive without lawmakers getting involved.  Governor Bruce Rauner says the report from the Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform released at the end of last year is meaningful and some of the recommendations can be accomplished without lawmakers passing legislation.

Rauner says reforms that may require legislation should be supported on a bipartisan basis. The 46 page report provides recommendations to reduce the number of prison admissions, reduce the length of prison stays, and reduce recidivism rates, among others suggestions.

In other State news, a push to allow federal funds to be used on gun violence research is being led by Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator.  U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has written a letter asking for a Senate hearing on the Dickey Amendment–a provision included in appropriations for the Centers for Disease Control preventing the agency from using federal dollars to “advocate or promote gun control.”  Durbin expects getting rid of the 20-year-old rider will be tough. Illinois State Rifle Association executive director, Richard Pearson, is against the idea, arguing CDC studies would be “skewed” in favor of gun control.