West Central Reporter

Illinois Senate Republicans have taken a stand in response to a controversial decision made by Governor JB Pritzker’s Prisoner Review Board. The release of a dangerous felon, Crosetti Brand, who went on to commit a heinous crime just hours after being released, has prompted the introduction of legislation aimed at reforming the Prisoner Review Board.

Senate Republican Leader John Curran expressed his dismay, stating, "This never should have happened." The incident involved Brand, a violent criminal with a history of domestic violence, who was released by the PRB despite clear evidence of the danger he posed to society.

In an effort to address such failures, Curran unveiled a legislative proposal designed to overhaul the operations of the Prisoner Review Board. The proposed reforms include putting victims first, prioritizing experience over politics in board appointments, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the PRB.

State Senator Steve McClure emphasized the need for stricter penalties for offenders like Brand, stating, “This case is a tragic example of a problem that is sadly all too common in this country.” McClure plans to introduce legislation that will increase penalties for violating orders of protection, particularly for repeat domestic abusers.

Meanwhile, State Senator Jason Plummer criticized Governor Pritzker's handling of PRB appointments, highlighting a pattern of controversial decisions and a lack of transparency in the nomination process. Plummer expressed concerns over the Governor's appointees and their role in releasing convicted criminals back into society.

The Senate Republican Caucus is pushing for a comprehensive approach to reforming the Prisoner Review Board, emphasizing the need for accountability and victim protection. The proposed legislation aims to address systemic issues within the PRB and ensure that dangerous individuals are not prematurely released back into the community.

The Senators stressed the importance of holding Governor Pritzker accountable for his oversight of agencies like the Illinois Department of Corrections, which played a role in the tragic events surrounding Crosetti Brand's case. The proposed reforms represent a critical step towards improving the management of the state's criminal justice system and preventing similar incidents in the future.