Legislation to help small sheriff's offices in emergencies passes Illinois House, moves to Senate

The Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation that will benefit counties around the state whose sheriff’s departments have a limited number of squad cars. 

State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) introduced the bill that came at the recommendation of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Jackson County's largest city is Carbondale and the county sat is Murphysboro. 

The bill permits the county to allow for the quick and efficient purchase of police vehicles when a patrol car has been wrecked, with approval of the county board.
 
According to Jacobs, the state's Counties Code permits exceptions to the competitive bidding requirement in the event of an emergency. Nevertheless, he believes the loss of a patrol vehicle, although a critical issue, might not be considered an emergency.
 
House Bill 1727 passed unanimously in the House and now heads to the Senate for its consideration.