July 29, 2003

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois Senate

93^rd General Assembly

This landmark legislation will provide vital reforms to the criminal justice system as it relates to capital punishment.  The legislation overwhelmingly achieves these ends and I support all of its provisions except that provision assigning the decertification of police officers to the law enforcement training board. It will have the unintended and adverse impact of placing new constraints on the effective administration of justice, while denying due process rights to police officers. 

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 472 entitled “AN ACT in relation to criminal law,” with the following specific recommendation for change:

By deleting all lines between and including page 4, line 17, through page 11, line 25.

With this change, Senate Bill 472 will have my approval.  I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

Governor