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The House GOP Public Safety Group began meeting in January. The
group says the its bills fall into three categories, including
protecting victims of crime, the real pretrial fairness act, and
recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers.
Some of the over 20 measures would change parts of the
controversial SAFE-T Act, including reinstating cash bail
statewide.
During a news conference Wednesday, state Rep. Dan Ugaste,
R-Geneva, said for any system to work, cash bail must be part of
that equation.
“In our bill, an accused ability to pay would be a factor to be
considered,” Ugaste said. “Bail must be the least restricted
means to assure public safety and protect victims.”
The legality of cash bail is still being considered by the
Illinois Supreme Court after arguments earlier this year.
House Bill 3209 would prevent victims from being forced to
testify at pretrial detention hearings.
House Bill 3352 expands the offenses for which an arrested
person must provide a DNA sample to include all forceful
felonies and aggravated domestic battery.
State Rep. Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora, a chief deputy for the
Woodford County Sheriff’s Department, said Illinois has gotten
away from holding those who commit crimes and victimize citizens
accountable.
“If we don’t change course now, we may never recover. In fact, I
argue the damage already done will take a generation to
correct,” Tipsword said. “We have conditioned criminals to
believe that there are no consequences for acting out. This must
change.”
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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