Rockford Sun

Illinois’ decision to eliminate cash bail is drawing national attention following an executive order signed by President Trump on August 25. The order instructs federal agencies to consider withholding funding from states that have ended cash bail, with the president arguing that such policies undermine public safety.

In 2023, Illinois became the first state in the country to abolish cash bail under the SAFE-T Act. The move has been met with criticism from Republican lawmakers and others who say it has led to repeat and violent offenders being released while communities experience negative consequences.

State Senator Dave Syverson has voiced strong opposition to the policy. “Illinois families deserve a justice system that prioritizes victims and law enforcement over criminals, not reckless policies that put ideology ahead of safety and reward criminals,” Syverson said. He urged Democratic leaders to repeal the SAFE-T Act and reinstate measures aimed at holding offenders accountable before further harm comes to communities and law-abiding citizens.

Syverson, a Republican, was elected in 1993 to represent Illinois’ 35th Senate District, succeeding Christine J. Johnson.