(TheLibertyRevolution.com)- Over one hundred Illinois state’s attorneys are opposing the state’s new cashless bail provisions, scheduled to go into effect in January, that apply to such crimes as second-degree murder.
The state’s criminal justice reform law, the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity Today Act (SAFE-T Act) was signed into law in January 2021. The provisions abolishing cash ball and prohibiting police from removing trespassers from properties, however, do not go into effect until January 1.
But some county and village boards have unanimously approved resolutions to repeal or change the SAFE-T Act, including the Chicago suburb of Orland Park.
Orland Park Mayor, Republican Keith Pekau, told “Just the News” that cashless bail isn’t the only problem with the SAFE-T Act. The provision preventing police from removing trespassers from a property is also a problem. Pekau believes this provision will lead to citizens “taking the law into their own hands.”
Pekau said the SAFE-T Act also has a negative impact on policing since it permits anonymous complaints against police officers. He told “Just the News” that good officers won’t stay on the force and police departments will have a harder time hiring new officers in the future.
Meanwhile, Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow is pushing for the SAFE-T Act to be repealed entirely, arguing that it would destroy the state.
Glasgow said in August that 640 people currently in Will County jail will be released on January 1 and of those, 60 are charged with murder.
Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe filed a lawsuit in county circuit court arguing that the law violates the Illinois constitution.
Illinois Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker has repeatedly defended the pro-criminal SAFE-T Act, claiming it is designed to keep violent criminals in jail while ensuring “a single mother who shoplifted diapers for her baby” won’t have to spend “six months in jail” because she doesn’t have the money for bail.
Pritzker conceded that the law might need changes or adjustments.
