GOP governor candidate vows to veto Illinois' no-cash-bail law

As of this coming January, the State of Illinois is set to become the first state in the nation to eliminate the cash bail system.

On Tuesday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey vowed to sheriffs across the state that he would veto the measure.

“JB The Enabler in Chief Pritzker has handcuffed law enforcement and let violent criminals run free,” Bailey said. “People are afraid. They’re concerned."

Under the legislation passed in 2021, bail will not be required for violent crimes such as burglary, robbery, arson, kidnapping, almost all drug offenses including drug distribution, DUI offenses, including DUIs that involve a fatality. Those crimes will not qualify for detention under the Illinois Safety Act. 

Southern Illinois lawmakers voted against the bill, and proposed a different anti-crime bill earlier this year that was opposed by upstate lawmakers.

Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), a former state's attorney and current District 118 representative, said he believes the act will reduce public safety and lead to more violent crime in Illinois.

Proponents of the law say it’s wrong to keep people locked up simply because they can’t afford bail.