Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) is calling out Democratic lawmakers over the Safe-T Act.

Running for re-election, the former Barrington Hills Village president has also called on "all members of the General Assembly to repeal this disaster and work collaboratively on sensible solutions to combat the atrocious crimes we are witnessing in our streets.” 

"The Safe-T Act puts all of our families, businesses, police, and communities at significant risk," McLaughlin said in a statement. "This awful legislation should be named the Criminals Priority Act, because Illinois Democrats put criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens who are desperate for leaders to deliver basic public safety."

Republicans have raised concerns about the SAFE-T Act, which stands for Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today Act. Because of the increased constraints imposed on police personnel, McLaughlin and the GOP have labeled the measure a "de facto defunding of the police."

“Fair and equitable should mean all criminals are fairly treated by the letter of the law,” McLaughlin said according to a previous report from the Lake County Gazette. “Justice should be blind to offenders and there should be equal treatment following our laws, however is it equitable to the individuals who are on the receiving end of violent criminal offenses to not be safe in their homes, businesses or on their streets?” 

The no-cash-bail provision of the SAFE-T Act goes into effect on Jan. 1. Opponents say the law will bring about the release of thousands of incarcerated suspects across the state who are awaiting trial for major offenses. The measure requires courts to hasten the processing of persons awaiting trial. Opponents say persons accused of robbery, abduction, arson, second-degree murder, intimidation, aggravated violence, aggravated DUI, aggravated flight, drug-related homicide, and threatening a public officer will be released.

Of the 102 state’s attorneys across Illinois, 98% are in support of repealing or modifying the act, according to Madison-St. Clair Record. 

McLaughlin is "running to continue holding Springfield politicians accountable for improving public safety, lowering property taxes, and increasing local control for our schools," his website reads.