House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is urging for public safety reforms after it was reported that a convicted felon on pretrial release was arrested in Governor Pritzker’s back yard on the Fourth of July.
This latest report has again raised concerns about whether Illinois’ current pretrial system is doing enough to protect the public while ensuring justice is served. The case has renewed calls from lawmakers and law enforcement leaders who believe the SAFE-T Act should be reformed to better address repeat violent offenders and strengthen public safety.
Leader McCombie believes more must be done to protect the public, support victims, and ensure dangerous criminals are held accountable for the choices they make.
McCombie has filed legislation to do just that; she filed House Bill 5757 this spring which proposes a mandatory revocation of pre-trial release if offenders commit a new felony while out on electronic monitoring. McCombie believes there must be urgency in addressing gaps in the law, which are hurting public safety.
“Electronic monitoring should not be a free pass for criminals. Improving public safety should start with revoking pre-trial release,” said McCombie. “Individuals charged with heinous crimes, especially attempted murder, sexual assault, and aggravated battery must be held accountable and victims must be prioritized and protected. As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to fix what’s broken.”
Read more about the latest report referenced above here.