PONTIAC — Gov. Bruce Rauner made a stop in Pontiac (Monday) talking about two under-the-radar laws he signed this year.
At Pontiac City Hall, Rauner spoke about changes they sought to help police departments hire officers and for first responders to better alert residents while they are on the road. Both laws take effect Jan. 1.

House Bill 0305 enables departments to hire officers who have 60 credit hours toward a bachelor's degree. Currently such candidates can only be hired if they hold an associate's degree or military experience.

Pontiac Police Chief Jim Woolford said "We felt it was important to have highly educated officers, but we also were losing candidates who were in four-year schools who had not yet graduated.”

House Bill 3469 allows a wider variety of emergency officials to use a siren, whistle or bell while driving. Some officials are restricted to flashing lights rather than sounds under current law.

94.1 WGFA