SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) advanced legislation through the Senate today that will require law enforcement officials to accept cash to post bail. Stadelman’s proposal is Senate Bill 2252.

The idea was brought to him by Rockford-area resident Kevin Lunsford, whose minor son was arrested for a traffic offense last year.  When Lunsford arrived at the Winnebago County Juvenile Center to bail out his son, the credit card machine was broken and the center has a policy to refuse to take cash.

Because of a technology malfunction, Lunsford’s son was forced to sit in the juvenile center the entire weekend – significantly longer than the law requires, paid for by taxpayer dollars.

“No one should be forced to spend extra time in custody because of a technology malfunction or a refusal to take cash,” Stadelman said. “I look forward to continuing to work with area residents to advance proposals brought to my attention by my constituents.”  

Stadelman’s legislation passed the Senate with a vote of 56-0-0  and will now head to the Illinois House.