SPRINGFIELD – With a new session of the Illinois General Assembly underway, State Senator Javier Cervantes was recently selected to serve as the chair of the Senate Criminal Law Committee for the 104th General Assembly.
“It is an honor to be selected as the chair of any committee, but I take special pride to serve as your chair of the Criminal Law Committee,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “In this role, I will be able to build on my previous legislative efforts and lead the committee in challenging outdated, unjust practices to create a better, nonviolent future.”
As chair, Cervantes will help prioritize and guide discussions on legislative initiatives, oversee informational hearings on issues related to criminal law, and more. Cervantes hopes to support initiatives aiming to address the root causes of violence and further rehabilitation efforts. He also plans to highlight legislation that clarifies existing measures to prevent harmful misinterpretations that have historically led to people of color facing higher sentences than their action justifies.
“Our criminal laws can keep us safe, but if interpreted maliciously, they can have devastating impacts on our lives,” said Cervantes. “I am eager to bring forth initiatives to close loopholes that have been used to maliciously prosecute vulnerable members of society, and ensure the law is working with us, not against us.”
Cervantes will also serve on the Energy and Public Utilities, Labor, Licensed Activities, Pensions, and Appropriations-Education committees throughout the 104th General Assembly.
