Gov. Quinn signs eavesdropping restrictions

Posted on December 30, 2014

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn has signed new eavesdropping restrictions for Illinois after the old law was declared unconstitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court.

In March, the high court struck down the eavesdropping law, saying one of the nation's toughest measures was so broad that it could make videotaping a cheering crowd a crime.

The new law prohibits the secret recording of private conversations without consent from all parties. Law enforcement officials won the right for crimes for which authorities could use recording devices with the approval of a state's attorney.

Bill sponsors say the measure is a victory for privacy and free speech and doesn't curb the right to record police.

Quinn's office didn't offer an explanation for his Tuesday support.

The law takes effect immediately.

The bill is SB1342

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…