Lake County Gazette

Republican State Rep. Chris Bos shared his concern for the SAFE-T Act. His goal is to ensure communities are safe and affordable for the residents. However, the SAFE-T Act could potentially make communities less safe, and more expensive. 

According to Capitol News, the SAFE-T Act was passed on Jan. 13, 2021. It was supported by the Black Caucus and the Democrat majority. Illinois Democrats disagree, saying Republicans are simply fearmongering because the bulk of the bill has not even gone into effect yet.

This legislation threatens smaller police officers' ability to maintain state mandates which are tailored to larger cities and departments. Ultimately, police officers are mandated to do more with fewer resources, which forces the department to cut current costs. 

"The legislation requires in-person pre-trial detention hearings for most criminal cases," Bos said to Lake County Gazette. This means that legal and judiciary staffing, prison staff and even in some cases physical courtrooms all have to be modified to accommodate these new provisions. In many cases, probation departments will need additional pre-trial staff to supervise the increase in those released from jail. There will also be enormous IT needs for monitoring, reporting and new equipment. These costs are very real and are now amplified by our recording inflation. This legislation is a prime example of what happens when all of the stakeholders are not at the table.” 

In January, Illinois Republicans filed a House resolution asking to repeal the SAFE-T Act, calling it damaging and dangerous.

“I'm committed to lowering crime and lowering taxes, which is why I co-sponsored House Resolution 598 in January, which urges the Illinois General Assembly to value and protect crime victims and law enforcement and repeal House Bill 3653, the SAFE-T Act,” Bos said. “This resolution has yet to be called for even a vote. Now is the worst possible time to increase costs and taxes. I'm committed to standing up for our district against this legislation and any other hidden tax increases.”