Lake County Gazette

Rep. Martin McLaughlin took to Facebook about Illinois Democrats’ lack of criminal justice reform efforts.

“Democrats promised a sweeping anti-crime package this session, but there’s been little said and even less done to produce that package,” Rep. McLaughlin wrote on Facebook. “We have 12 days left in the spring legislative session, the General Assembly must address rising crime to keep Illinois communities safe.”

The debate circles the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act.

WGEM reported that House Republicans filed legislation that would repeal the SAFE-T Act that was passed last January. However, Democrats are unwilling to repeal the legislation and have accused GOP lawmakers of using “scare tactics” when discussing crime.

The controversy started when the act became law.

“There is consistent, constant opposition from the law enforcement community throughout history in opposing criminal justice reform,” Ed Wojcicki, executive director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said in an interview with Injustice Watch.

The SAFE-T Act eliminates cash bail by 2023, allows certain people accused of felonies to not have to be detained before trial, and imposes restrictions on Illinois police officers. Injustice Watch reported that law enforcement groups and police unions said that the SAFE-T Act poses a threat to public safety.

State Republicans increased pressure on supporters of the act when Travis Andrews, 26, killed Melinda Crump, 54, but the act ensured he won’t face murder charges. However, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Andrews was arraigned for indictments of weapon charges.

“There were no indictments returned for the murder [charge] based on that change in the law,” Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy told Judge Charles Beach during the hearing.

SafeWise’s annual 2022 State of Safety survey found that only 42% of Illinois residents report feeling safe, while 64% reported feeling “high daily concern” for their safety. Thirteen percent of respondents reported experiencing gun violence firsthand, an increase from 8% the previous year. Mass shooting incidents in Illinois increased by 25% from 2020 to 2021.