DECATUR, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) is calling for reforms to Illinois’ pretrial detention system on the third anniversary of the passage of the SAFE-T Act and the elimination of cash bail in Illinois.
“Three years ago, Illinois eliminated cash bail and fundamentally changed how pretrial detention works, putting defendants ahead of victims, families, and public safety,” said Rep. Deering. “Communities across the state have suffered the very real consequences of this flawed law, but Democrats continue to look the other way. The families of Megan Bos, Officer John Bartholomew, and so many others deserve justice.”
Deering is a co-sponsor of four key House Republican bills that would reform the current pretrial system:
- HB 1482: Expands pretrial detention eligibility to all felony offenses, giving judges greater discretion to consider the circumstances of each case.
- HB 1483: Strengthens accountability when defendants violate the conditions of pretrial release, including failing to appear in court.
- HB 1479: Allows judges to revoke pretrial release when a defendant violates the terms of that release.
- HB 5757: Requires the revocation of pretrial release when an offender commits a new felony while on electronic monitoring.
Since the SAFE-T Act took effect, House Republicans have filed more than 40 bills aimed at addressing problems with the law. Those bills remain in the House Rules Committee.
“Instead of just pointing out the problems with the law, House Republicans continue to deliver solutions,” said Deering. “Governor Pritzker said he was open to ‘tweaks’ to the existing law, but at this point, that is just political lip service. We need real reform now.”
To follow the status of these bills, visit ilga.gov.
For more information, contact Rep. Deering at (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.
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