This page is dedicated to legislative activity to change Illinois laws regarding the victims of violent crime
and fallen law enforcement officers.

HB45

HB 45 will be re-posted tomorrow, March 3, at 4:00pm.. Rep. Art Turner is the Sponsor of the bill and will be posting it in the Prison Reform Committee meeting at the Capitol Building in Springfield, Room 122B.

This is the third time we have had to address this bill!

Just 3 weeks ago, because of all the phone calls and emails created opposing this, the bill was pulled by Rep. Art Turner and held for tomorrows posting, hoping the heat would reduce.

HB45 CD CORR-ELDERLY SENTENCE-Long-term sentences would be eligible to request parole options upon reaching the age of 50 years old and serving 25 years of their sentence.

This have also been done without Victim Notification, Illinois Victims.org was notified through the Il. Attorney General's office who will be also testifying with us tomorrow.)

Above is the short version: too review the bill visit:
www.il.gov tab Legislature, tab Bills and Resolutions,
click on HB45 group.

Those supporting on the Prison Reform Committee:

D-Rep. Paul Froehlich 217-782-3725

D-Rep. Constance Howard 217-782-6476

D-Rep. Art Turner 217-782-8116

D-Rep. Eddie Washington 217-558-1012

Those opposing on the Prison Reform Committee:

R-Rep. Jim Sacia 217-782-8186

R-Rep. Dennis Reboletti 217-782-4014

R-Rep. Raymond Poe 217-782-0044

It seems that some of our elected Illinois officials would love to let all the murders out of prison! Perhaps the one's supporting this bill will let the freed murders live in their communities or in their homes.

HJRCA 19

Constitutional Amendment to Expand and Enforce Crime Victim Rights

Sponsor: Representative Lang (D – 16)

Crime Victims Need Enforceable Rights

Crime victims are central to the criminal justice process. These are the individuals who have been battered, raped, and whose family members have been murdered. Often, however, victims are ignored or even excluded throughout the justice process. Victims in Illinois need comprehensive, meaningful and enforceable rights.

Current Illinois Law

Illinois law does not ensure that victims receive the rights they need and deserve. The Illinois Constitution and Illinois statutes have provided for some measure of crime victim rights since 1984. Nonetheless, crime victims routinely find that the rights identified in law are not implemented:

Victims are guaranteed the right to be informed of court proceedings -- some victims never learn about scheduled hearings or they take time off work or school only to learn at the courthouse after hours of waiting that the hearing was postponed.
Victims have the right to communicate with the prosecution -- some victims wait long periods of time only to find out that charges were never filed in their case but the prosecutor never informed the victim of this decision.
Victims are guaranteed to be present at trials and hearings regarding their case -- some victims are unnecessarily placed on the defense’s (and in rare occasions, the prosecution’s) witness list in order to exclude them from the courtroom and are required to sit outside, missing most of the proceedings about the rape or act of violence that happened to them or their loved ones.
Victims are guaranteed the right to a speedy trial -- some cases take years longer than necessary without the court ever considering the victim’s need for justice.
Victims are guaranteed the right to present a written statement to the court about the impact that a violent crime has had on them -- some judges refuse to allow the victim to present this statement in open court, thus lessening the impact that a victim’s words might have on the court’s decision-making and the victim’s healing.
Victims have the right to have a support person or advocate present at court proceedings -- some courts exclude advocates from the courtroom, particularly in juvenile cases, often leaving the victim alone and isolated in an unfamiliar environment.

When these unfortunate events happen, victims have no recourse. There is no power or authority that can force a judge or attorney to respect the rights of the victims when those rights matter most. Without a means of enforcement, these rights are illusory at best and solely dependent on the good will of those in control of the proceedings.

The Missing Rights

The Illinois Constitution and laws do not provide for several rights that are now nationally considered to be essential to victims’ meaningful participation in the criminal justice process. This bill ensures that victims receive these rights, including the right to be present at post-trial proceedings, the right to safety and the right to learn about any proposal to reduce a defendant’s sentence or allow for the defendant’s release.

Other States and the Federal Government Have Taken the Lead

Other states, including California, Arizona and Oregon, have passed sweeping reforms and meaningful enforcement mechanisms for crime victim rights in recent years. In 2004, the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act was adopted, finally providing victims of federal crimes extensive rights and means of redress if those rights are violated. Other states, such as Minnesota, have instituted an office of Victims’ Right Ombudsman that functions as a division of the State Attorney General’s office that can resolve questions of victim rights violations when they arise, not after the fact.

How Victims Can Enforce Their Rights

For rights to be enforceable, victims must know about them and be able to raise these rights in a timely manner. This bill clarifies the right of the victim, either alone or through an attorney, to raise these rights promptly during any court proceeding. The bill also requires the court to act promptly on such a request.

Coalition Partners

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault – Lyn Schollett (217) 753-4117, www.icasa.org

IllinoisVictims.org – Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins (312) 730-8935, www.illinoisvictims.org

Parents of Murdered Children – Maria Ramirez (773) 847-1613, www.pomc.org

Letters to Illinois Senators-2008

Dear Senator Burzynski,

I would like to thank you for your recent letter of support to keep Winnebago County Detective Mike Mayborne's murderer, Theodore Bacino in prison. At the Lee County Court House on May 13th we had our parole protest hearing before PRB member Mr. Salvatore Diaz, appointed to the Prisoner Review Board June 8, 2005. For the first time we experienced a very professional and dignified hearing and Mr. Diaz came prepared. Our hearing experience this year was 100% better than past hearings. My family along with Sheriff Richard Meyers and six top ranking officers from the Sheriff's department accompanied us to the hearing.

This brings me to a very serious concern that has caused me great distress and worry since I received the below email from the secretary of the Winnebago County States Attorney's office, States Attorney Phil Nicolosi. I recall in 2007 the removal unexpectedly of Mr. John Stenson from Peoria. Mr. Stenson was berated publicly for not voting enough for the release of C# prisoners, when in fact Ms. Geraldine Tyler has voted in favor of releasing C# inmates 17 out of 17 cases as documentation states for the same time frame. She has expressed openly to be a pro prisoner advocate, but escapes the same process of removal as Mr. Stenson and now it appears that Mr. Diaz may also be a victim by this board.

If Mr. Diaz is being considered for removal, for the reason mentioned in the email, I wish to state that I am against this action. I find this information, if credible, to be extremely stressful and disturbing to me and my family.

Could you please look into this matter and have us rest assured that this type of nonsense is not happening in our government.

Thank you for your dedication to our community and for your time in looking into this matter,

Dear Senator Severson,

Could you please look into this matter and have us rest assured that this type of nonsense is not happening in our government.

Thank you for your dedication to our community and for your time in looking into this matter,

By: Terry Mayborne

Letter to State Rep. Jefferson

Representative Charles Jefferson,

In regard to HB 4154 Elderly Adjustment Sentencing for Life and Long Term Prisoners
It has been brought to my attention that you have signed on as Co-sponsor of the above bill July 16, 2008. Per our discussion in your office, you assured me that this bill probably did not have a future so you can understand the disappointment when I received the information. You have many, hundreds, of victims in this district who need your support. As you are aware of, for every murder or heinous crime, there are approx. (as documented) 40-45 victims (survivors) affected.

The John Howard Foundation, a pro-prisoner group, has a staff, lobbyists, grants and foundations to support their work, much of which we do support. IllinoisVictims.org only has a website and a network of email correspondence for victims that attempt to keep abreast of issues that directly affect our lives and those we care about. We feel our rights are being challenged.

I realize that being added on as a co-sponsor is something that can appear without your knowledge and is a common practice in legislation. Having you aware of this is my concern. I am sure your office has received a few calls regarding this matter also and I have sent this email to document my call. Your office has assured us your sponsorship will be removed and we need to tell you how much we appreciate this. I know your days are very hectic and that there is a lot on the agenda, so we value your time.

I will be testifying in Chicago August 20^th in reference to this bill and Ardine Rice has asked to join me along with Ric Fordham, another local survivor whose father, a Dixon Correctional officer, who was beaten and strangled to death, during an escape attempt by two inmates at the Dixon Correction Institute (One of the murderers has been actually gaining votes from the PRB). Hopefully, given the opportunity, hearing from a current victim of the PRB parole protest process and someone (Ardine) who would be directly affected by a change in the status of her husband's murderer, will bring some insight into introducing victims into the discussions or hopefully having this become a dead bill.

We certainly appreciate your efforts in all areas for your community and thank you for the support and time you have given us on this matter.

By: Terry Mayborne

Letter to State Senator Righter

Dear Senator Righter,

Thank you for your informative letter to the Friends and Family of Michael Mayborne that I received yesterday. Although we felt the ‘Democratic Senate leaders’ who we feel need to be held accountable were addressed (because w e all know who they are) I can understand your frustration that they were namely omitted. Your advice will be taken. I am not a ‘sit down’ individual when I know something is ‘just wrong’. I will be sending a personal letter to Senate Leader, Senator Emil Jones ad dressing the same issues. I am also considering my letter to the Senator as an open editorial letter for the media.

We (C# Victims) continue, to this day, to experience wrong doing by the PRB to the victims who elect to participate in the parole protest process. Because my case was escalated to high profile with the Prisoner Review Board Member Diaz attempting to be removed for alternative reasons, I have no problem addressing Senator Jones and his supporters head on. I have already lost tragically the worst that could happen, so they do not intimidate me.

I will be in Chicago, August 20^th before the House Legislation Prison Reform Committee that is attempting to introduce the return of Earned Release in the form of Life and Long Term Elderly Sentence Adjustment. HB4154. Because victims have not been invited to participate in the discussions, our work continues beyond yearly protest hearings in an attempt to be the voice for the many law enforcement families and murder victims across the state who would be subjected to this horrendous process if they are successful.

Once again, I am encouraged by your interest and response. I am not educated in legislative matters, but continue to try and make a difference in the lives of innocent victims that are re-traumatized, most yearly, by a poor standard that is easily manipulated. May I leave you with one example of a young man who yearly, protests the release of two C# inmates that beat and strangled his father to death, Lee County Sheriff Correctional Officer Richard Fordham, while attempting to escape Dixon Correctional, in Dixon, Il. This son must report to Dixon Correctional twice yearly, where his father was murdered, and enter through prison doors, for his protest hearings! This is so WRONG! Alternatives are available, but the PRB victim policy is to no t to educate the victim on them.

This is my passion, and I thank you for taking the time to read this and for the dedication you give to the people of Illinois. Like my husband, your service and commitment to mankind is in your heart.

By: Terry Mayborne

Righter's Letter

I received a two page letter from Senator Dale A. Righter regarding the Joint letter we sent. I would imagine Jennifer that you received one also.

He basically stated that we should have been addressing the Democrats and Emil Jones specifically with our criticisms. He stated "unfortunately the public and others who read your June 11 correspondence will be unable to determine, from vague references such as "Senate leadership," which Senators are promoting or allowing an agenda that is clearly not in the public's best interest." He said "namely President Emil Jones and the Democrat Senators who unanimously vote to make him Senate President are directly responsible for the unfavorable change in the PRB."

Interestingly, he stated "There is no doubt that if the Senate President and his leadership team felt their power could be threatened by the continued pursuit of an anti-law enforcement agenda with regards to the PRB, this agenda would come to an abrupt halt." Unfortunately, those who give the Senate President and his leadership team this power appear disinterested in holding these individuals accountable, even on issues on which they claim to differ."

"It is my sincere hope the practice of systematically removing those affiliated with law enforcement from the PRB will cease in the near future. But with an equal degree of sincerity, I believe the only way this will occur is for those who are outraged by this conduct, including yourselves, to be both direct and specific regarding who should be held accountable." "Thank you again for writing and your concern over this troubling issue."

By: Terry Mayborne

HB4154

To Gold Star Families, Chicago FOP and Illinois COPS

Please send this out to your members - If you go to www.IllinoisVictims.org you will see details about a piece of legislation that you may want to help us fight, HB 4154.

This bill would end determinate sentencing by providing "earned release" opportunities for any long term prisoner, including cop-killers sentenced to life or a long term of years. Among the advocates for this bill are Bill Ryan and Ted Pearson, and you can see the website at www.ilcer.org.

First, to be clear, we hear this bill has little support in Springfield, and we believe this is true. We are not worried this bill will become law. Still, we have to oppose it.

First, none of the victims families of these criminals, who have all gone on in their lives thinking that the sentences of their loved ones killers was set and could not be changed, do not know about this bill or this hearing. There are perhaps 4000 plus cases we are told, all the "worst of the worst" because they are all sentenced to 30 years or more, of offenders who would be eligible to apply for early release under this bill.

Victims families have a right to know about this proposal to change the sentence BEFORE it is too late to have a say in it.

We have to continue to oppose these bills because these groups are not going away as long as their efforts are funded and meet with enough success that they get a bill that gets hearings, as this one has. This will be the second hearing for this bill - the first was in Springfield a few months ago - our testimony against it is at the www.illinoisvictims.org website.

It is my hope that if we continue to make any public hearings they hold on these early release measures completely dominated by our voices of victims and law enforcement and common sense public safety minded citizens, then we can co-opt their agenda.

So we hope you will come speak against the bill. The hearing for HB 4154 is on Aug 20 at the State of Illinois Building, Thompson Center in Chicago, at 10 am. I do not have a room number yet but will post it at the website as soon as I hear.

Also they are holding an "educational forum" on the HB 4154 and other prison issues such as the conditions at TAMMS, at Columbia College on Aug 6, an event hosted by Cliff Kelly of WVON radio.

I asked them directly to include victims or law enforcement or both on their panel and they refused. It is an open event and it would also be good if they were to see the voices of concern that victims of the criminals were not being invited to or notified of their efforts to free their loved ones killers. I am attending that event and intend to ask questions about why they are excluding concerns for victims from their conversation. I would love it if a few of you would join me - the event details are linked off the front page of www.illinoisvictims.org.

By: Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins

SB-2254

Illinois Senate Bill SB-2254
"PASSED IN COMMITTEE"

Bill SB-2254 passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, of March 10th. It will raise the standards concerning the voices of victims and prosecutors before the Prisoner Review Board can vote to release one of the C number, or indeterminately sentenced killers that come up for regular review before the PRB. It will require that the ENTIRE PRB would hear the testimony of victim’s families and prosecutors before they can decide to release an inmate.

Terry Mayborne and Karolyn Mayborne-Lund testified in Springfield before the Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of the Mayborne family and other Illinois victims in support of this critical legislation.

Bill Status of SB2254 95th General Assembly
Senate Sponsors: Sen. William R. Haine
Hearings: Judiciary Criminal Law
Hearing Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 2:30 PM
Capitol Room 212 Springfield

IllinoisVictims.Org Illinois Legislation Positions:

We Support:
SB42: Crime Victim Impact statement Senator John Millner sponsor February. 26th.

HB800: Crime Victims Representitive Ron Wait Assigned to Criminal Law Judiciary Comm.

We Oppose:
HB45: CD-CORR Elderly Sentence Sponsor Rep. Art Turner Posting in Comm. March 3rd.

Terry Mayborne moderates the contents of this page.
Terry is the widow of Fallen Winnebago County, IL Sheriff's Detective Michael Mayborne. Terry is the President of Illinoisvictims.org and a leading advocate in the State of Illinois regarding victims rights and efforts to protect victims families from harmful state legislation favoring criminals.