Chicago City Wire

The Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act (SAFE-T Act) is trying to reform the criminal justice system, including new standards of force for police, but wanting to abolish cash bail – which caught Republicans’ attention.

“Ending cash bail is among the most irresponsible elements of Democrats' SAFE-T Act,” Rep. Brad Stephens wrote on Facebook. “We need to reinstate cash bail for violent criminals to keep Illinois communities safe.”

Supporters of the SAFE-T Act, including the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, point to the legislation as a step toward making the justice system more equitable for minorities. Republicans have called the SAFE-T Act a “de facto defund the police bill" because of the additional regulations it places on police officers. The SAFE-T will eliminate cash bail in Illinois, effective Jan. 1, 2023, which critics claim will lead to more criminals out on the streets.

Multiple state's attorneys expressed concern over the legislation at a media briefing in April, according to The Center Square. One of the biggest concerns for many is the elimination of cash bail.

One state's attorney said, “With this new law, our hands will be tied. What sane citizen in this state of Illinois would want the state’s attorney’s hands tied, the police hands tied and give all the perks going to violent offenders? That’s what this law does.”

Sen. Dale Fowler said that some of the provisions regarding law enforcement are driving people away from the field.

“It's been very frustrating to see our law enforcement officers retire early, some of our sheriffs retire early, and our students not wanting to go into the law enforcement field,” Fowler said.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx dismissed all charges against 30% of felony defendants during her first three years in office, according to the Chicago City Wire. Foxx’s office has dropped charges against people accused of murders, shootings, sex crimes and serious drug offenses.