Illinois Senate Bill SB1813

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

PEACE OFFICER ARBITRATION

Impact

The proposed changes are likely to influence state laws by ensuring that certain arbitration decisions, particularly those involving serious disciplinary actions against peace officers, are not only subject to internal review mechanisms but also available for judicial scrutiny under the Administrative Review Law. This shift aims to enhance accountability in policing decisions, potentially leading to more consistent and legally sound outcomes for significant disciplinary actions across the state.

Summary

SB1813, introduced by Sen. Linda Holmes, amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act focusing on the arbitration procedures related to peace officer terminations or suspensions exceeding 30 days. The bill establishes a public policy in Illinois that mandates decisions made by arbitrators in such cases to undergo administrative review in accordance with the law. This change is significant as it alters the criteria under which peace officer employment decisions are reviewed, enhancing the oversight of arbitration outcomes in this sensitive sector of law enforcement.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB1813 is the pushback it may receive from law enforcement unions and associations, which might view increased administrative and judicial review as a challenge to the established autonomous arbitration processes. The bill's language, declaring conflicting provisions in collective bargaining agreements as unenforceable, raises concerns about the balance of power between law enforcement representatives and oversight bodies. Critics may argue that it undermines the negotiated rights of peace officers while proponents will likely emphasize the necessity of oversight to ensure fair and just disciplinary practices.