(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A series of changes to the state’s controversial bail-reform law are now on their way to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk, just weeks before the measure was set to take effect.
The Illinois House on Thursday narrowly approved the fall veto-session revision on a 71-40 partisan vote, with no Republicans supporting the amendment.
Earlier, the Senate voted 38-17 to send the changes to the House on the final day of the Legislature's fall session. That came just one month before the so-called SAFE-T Act takes effect Jan. 1 and notably eliminates the posting of a cash bond — a practice long used to ensure the accused appears at trial.
The goal, Democrats said, is to detain dangerous people while they await trial while not locking up those who pose no threat but sit in jail simply because they can't afford bail.
Emerging after the Minneapolis police beating death of George Floyd in May 2020, the SAFE-T Act sets rigorous new training standards for law enforcement, spells out rules for police use of force in immobilizing troublesome suspects, requires body cameras on all police by 2025 and more.
But while Republicans agreed that adding crimes to what the law calls the “detention net” greatly improved matters, they remain worried about the risks of potentially releasing dangerous criminals. They also expressed concern about the short timeline for judges and prosecutors to prepare for the changes.
Among the changes, the clarifying legislation expands the detention net to include forcible felonies and those not eligible for probation, along with those accused of hate crimes and other serious offenses.
Democrats addressed another concern about a court logjam the day after New Year's with defendants incarcerated in December seeking eligibility for release under the newly minted law. Those charged with low-level nonviolent crimes will get their chance first, followed by those considered a risk to skip trial and go on the lam, finally, those who pose a threat to the public.
(© Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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