Governor Pritzker Signs Important Clarifications to Landmark SAFE-T Act

Springfield, Ill. – This week, Governor JB Pritzker signed HB1095, a trailer bill that clarifies and strengthens the landmark SAFE-T Act, which was originally passed in 2021. This series of amendments clarifies the detention net, expands the processes for transitioning to cashless bail on January 1st, and specifies definitions of willful flight and dangerousness, and more.

These clarifications are the result of many months of negotiations with both House and Senate members as well as public defenders, state's attorneys, victim advocates, law enforcement officials, and criminal justice reform advocates. The trailer legislation strengthens and clarifies the original intent of the SAFE-T Act, which will ensure that anyone who is a threat to the community isn't released from jail because they have enough money in their bank account while those without financial security languish in jail regardless of the risk they pose.

"When we first passed the SAFE-T Act in January of 2021, we knew Illinois was doing something transformative and historical," said House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "We were taking a broken, antiquated system and making it more fair and just. As promised when the original bill was passed, we continued negotiations to ensure all voices were heard and thoughtfully considered; this legislation is the product of that promise. I want to thank the Public Safety Working Group, especially Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth and Chairman Justin Slaughter, for spearheading these important discussions and providing stakeholders the space to share their ideas for clarifications and improvements. Illinois remains a national leader in criminal justice reform and that is something to be celebrated."

"I'm pleased that the General Assembly has passed clarifications that uphold the principle we fought to protect: to bring an end to a system where wealthy violent offenders can buy their way out of jail, while less fortunate nonviolent offenders wait in jail for trial," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Advocates and lawmakers came together and put in hours of work to strengthen and clarify this law, uphold our commitment to equity, and keep people safe."

"We understand that public safety is not a static issue," said Deputy Majority Leader Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). "This legislation strengthens the underlying SAFE-T Act with valuable feedback from survivors, law enforcement, prosecutors and other public safety advocates. If we want to make our communities safer, we have to work together. This update is a step in the right direction."

"When we passed the original SAFE-T Act, we did so with the understanding that more work would need to be done to implement these historic reforms. This legislation keeps that promise," said Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). "This legislation clarifies and strengthens the law, reflecting the input and agreement of law enforcement, survivor advocates, and reformers. The work of building a fairer justice system continues, and I am grateful for the partnership of my colleagues in the House Public Safety Working Group, our Senate colleagues, and Governor Pritzker."

"This measure is part of a continued effort to address misconceptions and sincere concerns brought forward by law enforcement, survivors and advocates," said Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford). "It's a reminder of the need to work together, and of our shared mission to make every community safer for families across our state."

"This is the result of hundreds of hours and a collaboration of all stakeholders to clarify and strengthen the language from the previous legislation. It's been an honor to serve my constituents as part of the Public Safety Working Group and create common sense policy solutions that will improve the safety of our communities and the integrity of our justice system," said Assistant Majority Leader Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). "This is a tremendous step toward a safer, fairer Illinois for all."

"By strengthening the SAFE-T Act, we are continuing the vital work of keeping Illinoisans safe," said Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). "Maintaining a robust justice system will always be an ongoing task, one that we prioritize. Hundreds of hours of consultation with stakeholders from across the ideological spectrum went into producing this bill, which maintains the historic reforms of the SAFE-T Act while ensuring a successful implementation of new policy."

"The SAFE-T Act was carefully crafted to promote a more equitable criminal justice system while simultaneously keeping our communities safe across Illinois. This legislation takes steps to ensure the SAFE-T reforms are carried out successfully," said Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). "Our goal was to reinforce the principles we were proud to pass with the SAFE-T Act, which replaces a wealth-based pretrial detention system with one based on a person's threat to the community. This legislation protects those goals."