It took two votes but the Illinois House today passed a major police reform package bill Thursday including rules for body cameras.

Senate Bill 1304 passed by a 102-7 vote. It includes provisions for body camera guidelines, independent investigators, special prosecutors and new training. State Representative Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) congratulated those who worked on the bill and was pleased with the compromise.

[audio:53015100543-BradySB1304.MP3] [/audio]

Illinois would be the first state in the nation to pass a comprehensive package of recommendations put forth by President Barack Obama’s police task force.

The bill updates the eavesdropping law in Illinois to allow police to record without permission. The only time they would be able to turn the camera off is when talking to a victim or witness or during strategic and personal conversations.

Officers who neglect to record will be treated at a departmental level instead of being charged with a crime.