Originally published on January 28, 2021 3:26 pm
Illinois is on the verge of becoming the first state to abolish cash bail after lawmakers passed a bevy of criminal justice reforms earlier this month.
Proponents of that change say House Bill 3653, written by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, will help end the criminalization of poverty. Specifically, it will halt the practice of jailing people accused of non-violent crimes until their trial because they cannot afford bail. But many prosecutors and members of law enforcement agencies say it will put the public at risk.
Both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives have approved the bill, but it awaits the signature of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
By Kevin Bessler - Illinois Radio Network
With Illinois set to become the only state in the nation to eliminate cash bail, those behind the legislation said it could be a model for other states.
The bail provision, known as the Pretrial Fairness Act, was one of many criminal justice reforms that were part of a sweeping justice reform bill passed by the state legislature earlier this month.
Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, a judge can still detain someone pretrial if they are charged with specific felony offenses, such as murder or domestic battery. A judge can also detain someone if they believe an individual is likely to skip court.
Normal, IL, USA / www.cities929.com
Jan 25, 2021 4:55 PM
(The Center Square) – With Illinois set to become the only state in the nation to eliminate cash bail, those behind the legislation said it could be a model for other states.
The bail provision, known as the Pretrial Fairness Act, was one of many criminal justice reforms that were part of a sweeping justice reform bill passed by the state legislature earlier this month.
Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, a judge can still detain someone pretrial if they are charged with specific felony offenses, such as murder or domestic battery. A judge can also detain someone if they believe an individual is likely to skip court.
Cash bail debate amplifies in Illinois as bill heads to governor by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square | January 26, 2021 12:00 PM Print this article
With Illinois set to become the only state in the nation to eliminate cash bail, those behind the legislation said it could be a model for other states.
The bail provision, known as the Pretrial Fairness Act, was one of many criminal justice reforms that were part of a sweeping justice reform bill passed by the state legislature earlier this month.
Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, a judge can still detain someone pretrial if they are charged with specific felony offenses, such as murder or domestic battery. A judge can also detain someone if they believe an individual is likely to skip court.
One of the key components of the Legislative Black Caucus’ police reform package is the requirement that all Illinois police officers be equipped with body worn cameras by 2025, but local police chiefs are worried about paying for the mandate.
House Bill 3653 was the criminal justice pillar of the Black Caucus’ legislative agenda that passed during the lame duck legislative session on Jan. 13. In addition to requiring body cameras, the bill also ended cash bail, reformed use of force by police and increased training requirements for officers.
“I get where the legislature is coming from. The problem I have is the unfunded mandate,” said Chatham Police Chief Vern Foli.