SC0003 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 31098 JDS 57756 e

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
SC0003

Introduced 2/24/2023, by Sen. Don Harmon

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

ILCON Art. I, Sec. 1

ILCON Art. I, Sec. 3

ILCON Art. I, Sec. 8

ILCON Art. I, Sec. 10

ILCON Art. I, Sec. 12

ILCON Art. I, Sec. 14

Proposes to amend the Bill of Rights Article of the Illinois Constitution. Replaces gendered language with gender-neutral language. Effective upon being declared adopted.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the State for adoption or rejection at the general election next occurring at least 6 months after the adoption of this resolution a proposition to amend Sections 1, 3, 8, 10, 12, and 14 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution as follows:

ARTICLE I

BILL OF RIGHTS

(ILCON Art. I, Sec. 1)

SECTION 1. INHERENT AND INALIENABLE RIGHTS

All people men are by nature free and independent and have certain inherent and inalienable rights among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights and the protection of property, governments are instituted among people men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

(ILCON Art. I, Sec. 3)

SECTION 3. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever be guaranteed, and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege or capacity, on account of that person's his religious opinions; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations, excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of the State. No person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship against that person's his consent, nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

(ILCON Art. I, Sec. 8)

SECTION 8. RIGHTS AFTER INDICTMENT

In criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the right to appear and defend in person and by counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation and have a copy thereof; to be confronted with the witnesses against the accused him or her and to have process to compel the attendance of witnesses on in his or her behalf of the accused; and to have a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.

(Source: Amendment adopted at general election November 8, 1994.)

(ILCON Art. I, Sec. 10)

SECTION 10. SELF-INCRIMINATION AND DOUBLE JEOPARDY

No person shall be compelled in a criminal case to give evidence against oneself himself nor be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

(ILCON Art. I, Sec. 12)

SECTION 12. RIGHT TO REMEDY AND JUSTICE

Every person shall find a certain remedy in the laws for all injuries and wrongs received which he receives to one's his person, privacy, property or reputation. Every person He shall obtain justice by law, freely, completely, and promptly.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

(ILCON Art. I, Sec. 14)

SECTION 14. IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT

No person shall be imprisoned for debt unless the person he refuses to deliver up the person's his estate for the benefit of the person's his creditors as provided by law or unless there is a strong presumption of fraud. No person shall be imprisoned for failure to pay a fine in a criminal case unless the person he has been afforded adequate time to make payment, in installments if necessary, and has willfully failed to make payment.

(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SCHEDULE

This Constitutional Amendment takes effect upon being declared adopted in accordance with Section 7 of the Illinois Constitutional Amendment Act.