Illinois Supreme Court Upholds SAFE-T Act
Illinois becomes first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This week the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the state law ending cash bail, known as the SAFE-T Act. The law will take effect on Sept. 18, giving local governments two months to prepare for the changes.
Thanks to the 5-2 decision, defendants will no longer be able to pay their way out of jail regardless of alleged crimes. Instead, judges will determine pretrial detention based on the risk and danger someone poses to the community. This law was praised by civil rights groups and victim advocacy organizations because the SAFE-T Act prioritizes community safety over wealth.
“The Supreme Court upheld the legislature’s promise to create a more equitable and fair criminal justice system — a system that can now better protect victims and will no longer allow violent offenders to buy their way out of jail,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “This decision is a win for the people of this state, but also for our democracy. As duly elected representatives, we have the privilege and responsibility of creating policy that reflects our values as Illinoisans. Our state’s highest court rightfully ruled that frivolous lawsuits cannot and will not stop the legislative process.”
“I’m pleased that the Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the SAFE-T Act and the elimination of cash bail,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We can now move forward with historic reform to ensure pre-trial detainment is determined by the danger an individual poses to the community instead of by their ability to pay their way out of jail. My thanks to Attorney General Raoul’s office and the many people who worked tirelessly over the last months to defend these important reforms. I look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly and our many other partners as we transition to a more equitable and just Illinois.”
“The court’s decision culminates a long and challenging journey toward fundamental fairness in our legal system that would ensure the accused stay behind bars because they are dangerous, not because they lack dollars in their pockets,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “The unjust foundations of our society were not built quickly, and they will not be dismantled with ease. But we have taken a great step forward today, and I look forward to the road ahead.
“With the state’s high court having found the SAFE-T Act constitutional, I look forward to this landmark law being implemented fully and fairly throughout the state of Illinois.”