EAST PEORIA, Ill. — East Peoria elected leaders are adding their collective voice to the growing chorus of opposition to Illinois’ upcoming implementation of the SAFE-T Act.
East Peoria Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution demanding state lawmakers make changes to the new law.
They brought in Tazewell County State’s Attorney Kevin Johnson to explain why he opposes the law in its current form, particularly with regard to the elimination of cash bail.
“If you’re arrested on a non-violent offense and you are not a danger to society…if you have family here or have a job here…you’ve never had to post bail in Tazewell County and you never will,” said Johnson.
Johnson also made the argument against the law on constitutional grounds, saying state lawmakers have usurped the authority of state and local judges to make case-by-case decisions about the need for cash bails.
Many leaders in communities across Illinois remain concerned that potentially violent repeat offenders might be empowered by a legal system without cash bail, among other concerns.
State’s Attorneys in Lake and Cook Counties as well as the Illinois Supreme Court have offered strong support for the new law.
Many Democratic state lawmakers have indicated the policy is not perfect and will need changes.
Johnson, for one, says he hopes state legislators will address the issue in the upcoming fall veto session in Springfield.
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