Jones’ Bill Cracking Down on Targeted Ballot Initiatives Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is highlighting a new law that seeks to protect public servants from targeted ballot initiatives and secure term limits for current officials.

“I am extremely grateful to Governor Pritzker for joining me in passing this critical legislation,” Jones said. “It will ensure that our dedicated local officials do not have to fight for the priorities of their communities while under threat from reckless entities who only care about their own gain rather than the public’s best interest.”

Jones helped passed Senate Bill 1536, which guarantees that municipal term limits that are set by referendum, ordinance or any other community vote will not affect current officials’ ability to hold office in future based on past service time. Jones’ bill does not invalidate term limits passed on or after November 8th, 2016, it just helps prevent impulsive, short-sighted judgements on new term limit votes. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed this bill into law.

“My bill will prevent the sort of partisan ballot initiatives and rash decisions that unfairly diminish a public servant’s ability to do his or her job,” Jones said. “People are still completely free to set term limits, and my bill does not prevent that. However, we are supporting well-thought-out choices, not short-range attacks.”