Bill > SB2640

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to add a specific legal defense for members of the General Assembly in cases of aggravated battery. The defense applies only if House Bill 3458 of the 104th General Assembly becomes law, and it allows a member of the General Assembly to claim a defense if they battered an individual during an interaction where a reasonable person could believe the individual was experiencing a mental health episode. The defense is specifically applicable when the person being battered has a documented mental illness and acted abruptly. This provision is similar to an existing defense for peace officers who encounter individuals with mental health issues, but this bill extends the same legal protection to General Assembly members. The bill is narrowly crafted to provide protection in very specific circumstances where a legislator responds to a potentially volatile situation involving an individual with a documented mental health condition, effectively offering a legal shield for legislators who may need to defend themselves during unexpected and potentially dangerous interactions.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2640&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104