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SB 1218

COUNTIES CD-AUXILIARY DEPUTIES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Terri Bryant

Allows sheriffs to deploy auxiliary deputies with clarified duties, possible plain-clothes work, and firearms training, under strict identification and oversight.

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Bill Summary · SB 1218

Summary — SB 1218: Counties Code — Auxiliary Deputies (Amendment to 55 ILCS 5/3‑6013)

Status: Introduced (Referred to Assignments on 2025‑02‑11).
Primary sponsor (document excerpts): Sen. Terri Bryant (Illinois text). Note: the provided packet contains multiple unrelated bill excerpts; this summary focuses on the Counties Code amendment to auxiliary‑deputy rules (55 ILCS 5/3‑6013).

Purpose / Intent

To update statutory rules governing auxiliary deputies in county sheriff’s offices — clarifying allowable duties, uniform/plain‑clothes operations, firearm carriage, training requirements, and appointment/compensation conditions — with the goal of increasing operational flexibility for auxiliary deputies during disasters, civil disorder or other essential county matters.

Key provisions

  • Duties: Confirms auxiliary deputies may be assigned by the sheriff to aid traffic control, disaster response (natural or man‑made), civil disorder, and other matters the sheriff deems essential.
  • Plain‑clothes operations: Authorizes the sheriff to permit auxiliary deputies to wear plain clothes (rather than uniform) when performing certain functions deemed essential to prevent or assist with disasters or civil‑disorder events — provided the deputies carry proper identification while performing those duties.
  • Firearms:
    • Clarifies auxiliary deputies may carry firearms only while performing their assigned duties (removes a prescriptive requirement tying firearm carriage to being in uniform).
    • If an auxiliary deputy is permitted to carry a firearm, they must complete the same firearm training course required of peace officers under the Peace Officer and Probation Officer Firearm Training Act.
  • Identification: Identification symbols for auxiliary deputies must be distinct from those of regular county police/deputies.
  • Appointment requirements: Counties must take fingerprints before appointment; candidates must be county residents; persons convicted of a felony or crimes involving moral turpitude are disqualified from appointment.
  • Compensation and expenses: Auxiliary deputies may receive compensation set by the County Board (with sheriff’s advice), not to exceed the lowest hourly pay of a full‑time sworn department member; they are generally not salaried but may be reimbursed for approved actual expenses.
  • Oversight: Auxiliary deputies remain under the direction and control of the county sheriff at all times while performing duties.

Who is affected

  • County sheriffs (implementation discretion, policy updates)
  • Auxiliary deputies and prospective appointees (training, ID, duties, firearm eligibility)
  • County boards (compensation, expense approvals)
  • General public (public‑safety operations, disaster response)

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Provides sheriff’s offices greater operational flexibility (e.g., plain‑clothes deployment) during emergencies while requiring identification and standardized firearm training.
  • May require counties to update local policies, training arrangements, fingerprint/background procedures, and compensation rules.
  • Legal/oversight implications: plain‑clothes deployments and firearm carriage changes may prompt policy detail on oversight, civilian interaction, and transparency.

Procedural note

The document packet includes other, unrelated bill language and procedural histories from multiple jurisdictions. For final status, official text and amendments, consult the state legislature’s bill tracker and the enacted statute text for 55 ILCS 5/3‑6013.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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