SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The 58 lawsuits that have been filed by state’s attorneys in Illinois challenging the Constitutionality of the SAFE-T Act have now been consolidated in to one.
The Illinois Supreme Court filed an order Monday combining the lawsuits, using a rule that allows for the consolidation if there are one or more common questions regarding fact or law.
The court ordered the case to proceed in Kankakee County, as that’s the first county to file a suit.
At issue is the part of the law taking effect January first that would ultimately end the cash bail system.
Those opposed say it could lead to violent offenders being released from jail before trial, but the state says they could remain held if a forcible felony is involved, like first- or second-degree murder.
Tazewell and Woodford Counties in the immediate area were among those filing suit to get the law stopped. Peoria County is not.
It’s also anticipated that some changes in the SAFE-T Act could be made during the upcoming fall veto session in the Illinois General Assembly.
