RED BUD – Illinois State Representative David Friess says two years of SAFET-Act is no happy anniversary.
Two years after the no-cash bail system fully took effect in September 2023, Illinoisans continue to suffer the consequences while criminals walk free.
Friess said last week the two-year mark is certainly not a “happy” anniversary.
According to Friess, courts are overwhelmed, police are operating with fewer tools and more unreasonable mandates, all while repeat offenders are cycling in and out of custody.
He added that families are left questioning whether the system is still on their side. Instead of fairness, the law has produced confusion and risk.
Friess was part of a press conference on Thursday where House Republicans said that instead of restoring trust in the justice system, the SAFE-T Act has drained local resources, flooded courts with bureaucracy, and left communities less safe.