HB2556 - Local Public Safety Consent Decree Act

• Local governments cannot enter into or amend consent decrees adversely impacting public safety for longer than 10 years without General Assembly approval via joint resolution.

• General Assembly may not approve consent decrees adversely impacting public safety for periods exceeding 15 years from establishment.

• Local governments or residents subject to time-unlimited consent decrees with third parties may challenge them based on unforeseen consequences, conflict with existing law, or infringement of civil liberties not previously represented.

• State of Illinois prohibited from challenging the 1972, 1979, and 1983 Shakman consent decrees without General Assembly approval; if State is found outside their scope, individuals may sue for patronage hiring or political activity violations with burden of proof on the State.

• Individuals found to be patronage hires or non-competitive hires become at-will employees with damages limited to 30 days' salary if terminated; act becomes effective immediately.