DeKalb Times

State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) recently spoke out about the 2021 SAFE-T Act, saying that Republican lawmakers are opposed to ending cash bail as it will be detrimental due to increased levels of crime and recidivism.

“Major decisions on two controversial laws lay before the Illinois Supreme Court, as plaintiffs await rulings on the Constitutionality of the recently passed and signed firearms ban and the provision that ends cash bail as part of the 2021 SAFE-T Act passed by Democrats,” Rep. Cabello said in the June 21 news release. “Rulings have been expected for months in both cases. House Republicans vigorously opposed the end of cash bail, arguing the policy will lead to recidivism, increased crime, and reduced public safety."

Cabello shared a link to a Center Square article about the topic, which says that while the state Supreme Court released opinions on cases on June 17 and another at the beginning o the month, the state is still waiting on a decision about the no-cash bail law. This was put on hold following a decision by a Kankakee court to put the law on hold. 

In March the state Supreme Court heard arguments on the case for 45 minutes in front of the full Supreme Court panel. Justice Lisa Holder White questioned Deputy Solicitor General Alex Hemmer about the subject.

“In the past we’ve seen where changes have been made with respect to who is entitled to bail made through constitutional amendment. Why didn’t that happen here and should it have?” White asked. 

Hemmer replied, “No, your honor, it should not have. The General Assembly was not required to put these changes to voters in a constitutional referendum.”

Center Square reported that in May the court heard a challenge from State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) but a decision has yet to be made in the case. Caulkins told Center Square that the decision should not have to wait for a federal decision.

“There’s some speculation that the Illinois Supreme Court will hold off issuing their opinion, waiting to see what the federal court system, the Seventh Circuit [U.S. Court of Appeals] and then the U.S. Supreme Court have to say about this law,” Caulkins told The Center Square. "That would alleviate some of their problems if there's a decision made on the federal side.”

On June 20, Cabello shared a link from NBC Chicago 5 about shootings that occurred over the weekend. There were 75 people shot with 13 people dying due to gun violence in the city.

“The citizens of Illinois are being subjected to constant violence on our streets as Illinois Democrats refuse to acknowledge their soft-on-crime approach to criminal justice isn’t working,” Cabello wrote.