Ryan Calls Meeting To Discuss Fix For Safe Neighborhoods Act

Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he will convene a meeting to discuss potential legislative solutions to a recent Illinois Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the state's Safe Neighborhoods Act.

Ryan will convene the meeting on Monday, December 6, 1999 at 10 AM on the 16th Floor of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph, Chicago.

The governor has invited representatives from the Illinois Attorney General's office, the General Assembly, the Mayor of Chicago's office, the office of the Cook County Board President, the office of the Cook County State's Attorney, the Chicago Police Department and law enforcement and prosecutors from throughout Illinois.

"I support the Safe Neighborhoods Act and believe that is a valuable tool in our battle to keep our streets safe from crime," Ryan said. "My analysis of this court ruling indicates that we have some time over the next few weeks to develop a necessary legislative solution that reinstates the Act. The purpose of Monday's meeting will be to map out that solution."

On December 2, the Supreme Court ruled the Safe Neighborhoods Act unconstitutional based on a violation of the Illinois Constitution's single subject provision.