Illinois SAFE-T Act is One of the Most Radical Anti-Police and Anti-Public Safety Laws in the Country

Press Releases · Sep 14, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with two million grassroots activists, including thousands of Illinoisans, released a statement from Heritage Action Executive Director Jessica Anderson slamming Illinois Governor Pritzker for signing HB 3653, the SAFE-T Act, into law.

By effectively eliminating cash bail and prohibiting law enforcement from being able to carry out basic duties, Illinois’ SAFE-T Act tells Americans all they need to know about the Left’s priorities. Even as crime skyrockets due to their policies and Defund the Police rhetoric, the Left is still pandering to criminals instead of standing up for the safety of American families and small business owners. This policy is one of the most radical anti-police and anti-public safety laws in the entire country. It sets a dangerous, unprecedented standard that will give criminals a pass and put all citizens in danger.

Crime is going to be a top issue for voters across the country this November. Voters expect our elected officials at the state and federal levels to protect American families and communities by upholding the rule of law, holding rogue prosecutors accountable, and supporting our law enforcement. Heritage Action is committed to working with state and federal officials to support policy to restore public safety and counter the consequences of the Left’s Defund the Police Movement.

BACKGROUND:

  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB 3653 into law last year and the legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2023. The law will abolish cash bail for almost every offense, prohibit law enforcement from removing trespassers from residences and businesses, and force law enforcement to wait 48 hours before apprehending criminals in violation of electronic monitoring.

  • Heritage Action’s Police Pledge allows citizens, public officials, and candidates to pledge their support for law enforcement.