Brown County, Ill., officials and justice system officers are voicing concerns over a change to the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equality-Today Act that would do away with the state’s cash bail system.
The hand-wringing over the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act is not new. Supporters contend the cash bail system creates inequalities. Detractors argue the measure ties the hands of police and prosecutors.
When a new Illinois law takes effect next year, it will do away with the cash bail system in the state, meaning suspects charged with felonies, including second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and arson, will be released without bail.