Bill > HB0049

This bill amends the Counties Code to modify the rules for auxiliary deputies (part-time or reserve law enforcement personnel) in Illinois. Specifically, the bill allows sheriffs to authorize auxiliary deputies to wear plain clothes during situations they consider critical for preventing or assisting with disasters or civil disorder, provided these deputies carry proper identification. The legislation also changes the existing firearm restrictions, removing the requirement that auxiliary deputies must be in uniform to carry firearms, and instead allowing them to carry firearms while performing their assigned duties with the sheriff's permission. The bill maintains existing provisions about auxiliary deputies being subject to the sheriff's direction, requiring specific training before carrying firearms, and mandating that they be residents of the county they serve. These changes provide sheriffs with more flexibility in deploying auxiliary deputies during emergency or high-risk situations while maintaining basic oversight and training requirements.