Illinois House GOP propose changes to Pretrial Fairness Act, police recruitment bills

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Republicans are advocating for a package of bills to improve public safety and support law enforcement. This comes as the state marks six months since the Pretrial Fairness Act took effect.

Republicans argue that Illinois should give judges wider discretion to detain people charged with felonies. Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) said the detention net should be expanded to include all felonies. He also told reporters Thursday that Illinois should establish the burden of proof during detention hearings to a preponderance of the evidence.

Related Links

"We don't want to be the party of no anymore," said Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park). "What we want to try and do is offer ideas of what we think can enhance the SAFE-T Act to make it better and more palatable to law enforcement."

A separate plan could revoke pretrial release if a defendant is charged with an offense while they are out on pretrial release. Another Republican bill would allow judges to issue warrants for a defendant who fails to appear for court following pretrial release.

"Now that the end of cash bail is in place, we have seen numerous reports from throughout the state of individuals committing crimes, being let out of jail shortly thereafter, and then offending again while they were awaiting their court date," Windhorst said. "It doesn't have to be this way. Illinoisans deserve to know that when a perpetrator commits a crime, they are going to be held accountable."

Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) and Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) spoke during a press conference in Springfield on March 22, 2024.

Several House GOP members have also filed bills to lift up law enforcement. The GOP Improving Public Safety Working Group hopes to improve recruitment and retention by creating a $500 income tax credit for anyone who serves as a full-time police officer, firefighter or other first responder.

Another plan could require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to establish an annual basic recruit training schedule allowing new applicants to enroll each month.

"Let's be clear. The SAFE-T Act has hurt law enforcement recruitment and retention in the state of Illinois," said Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud). "Numerous small towns, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, who once enjoyed local police officer patrol now have closed their departments and have to rely on neighboring jurisdictions to provide law enforcement."

Republicans said these bills could ensure Illinois has the best trained officers and can keep them on the job. State lawmakers could discuss the plans when they return from spring break in early April.