SPRINGFIELD – When Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act into law in February 2021, supporters claimed it would modernize Illinois’ criminal justice system and make incarceration practices more “fair.” Republicans say the law was rushed through during a lame-duck session and made sweeping changes, putting criminals over victims, imposing unfunded mandates on police officers and counties, and eliminating cash bail.
Two years after the no-cash bail system fully took effect in September 2023, Republicans say Illinoisans continue to suffer the consequences while criminals walk free. Courts are overwhelmed, police are operating with fewer tools and more unreasonable mandates, all while repeat offenders are cycling in and out of custody. Families are left questioning whether the system is still on their side. Instead of fairness, the law has produced confusion and risk.
In a House Republican press conference Thursday morning, Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora), who spent nearly three decades in law enforcement before coming to the General Assembly, has described the law as one that “sides with criminals rather than the people who are trying to protect us.”
Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), a former state’s attorney, notes that “the SAFE-T Act has harmed our law enforcement officers and our court system while increasing risks to public safety. (Audio: 09182025Windhorst_SAFE-T Act)
The most devastating consequence, however, has been for victims. Families already coping with tragedy now watch suspects walk free because the law classifies their crimes as non-detainable. Representative Tom Weber (R-Fox Lake) has been especially outspoken on this point, citing cases like that of Megan Bos, whose body was held for more than 50 days by a man released within a day of his arrest.
The warnings from law enforcement and House Republicans are now reflected in the news:
• “Accused killer walks free under Illinois SAFE-T Act” – WIFR
• “Police chiefs warn criminals are emboldened after bail reform” – Daily Herald
• “Counties face mounting costs, confusion with SAFE-T Act mandates” – Capitol News Illinois
• “Repeat offender charged with burglary days after release” – Chicago Tribune
• “Victims’ families outraged after suspects released under new law” – ABC7 Chicago
These headlines, just a snapshot of the past two years, underscore what communities across the state already know: the SAFE-T Act is not working.
Consensus among House Republicans was clear….the SAFE-T Act hasn’t made Illinois safer—it has made Illinois less safe. It is time to restore balance, responsibility, and accountability to our justice system.