Skip to Main Content

Northern Star

 

Advertisement

 

 
Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Illinois Capitol Building sits in the sun. The SAFE-T Act, going into effect on Sept. 18, will eliminate cash bail in Illinois. (Getty Images)

Illinois to become first US state to eliminate cash bail

By Gabby Crabtree, Former News Editor | September 8, 2023

DeKALB – July 18, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court voted a 5-2 ruling to pass the SAFE-T Act. This bill will be going into effect on September 18, 2023, during a press conference.  The SAFE-T Act is filled with many different changes to the Illinois...

The SAFE-T Act, signed into Illinois law in 2021, will eliminate cash bail starting Jan. 1, 2023.

Illinois’ SAFE-T act and cash bail explained

By Evan Mellon, News Reporter | November 17, 2022

A new piece of legislation that aims to end the cash bail system in Illinois has drawn controversy from some due to concerns that it might increase violence. The Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act, also known as the SAFE-T Act, was...

Columnist Arduini believes monetary bail only furthers the gap between the rich and poor as low-income individuals are less likely to be able to afford bail.

Unpopular Opinion: Ending cash bail will benefit Illinoisans

By Philip Arduini, Opinion Columnist | September 21, 2022

Illinois’ elimination of cash bail will benefit many of its residents. On Jan. 22, 2021, the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to make changes regarding the state’s...