(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some Democrats in the Illinois House are joining victim advocacy groups to oppose attempts to amend the state’s controversial SAFE-T Act.
Radhika Sharma with the group Apna Ghar, which helps domestic violence survivors, says trailer bill SB 4228 would lift the requirement that state’s attorneys notify victims when their alleged abusers are being released.
As for the most criticized part of the SAFE-T Act — eliminating cash bail — Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago says it aims to fix what happens in bond court, which she compares to an auction.
“That’s pretty much what it resembles, with one of the most frequent questions asked, ‘How much can you afford?’”
Members of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and other crime victim groups say continuing cash bail would clog the courts and divert resources that could instead focus on more serious crimes.
Critics of the SAFE-T Act say prosecutors and judges will be unable to detain some violent offenders before trial.
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