The Illinois Supreme Court announced its opinion in the Rowe v. Raoul (SAFE-T Act) case Tuesday morning.  The Illinois Supreme Court ruled in a 5-2 vote that the pretrial fairness portion of the SAFE-T Act is constitutional. That means cash bail can now be abolished in Illinois.

Montgomery County Sheriff Rick Robbins, an outspoken opponent of the legislation, offered his response.  "SAD.  Not what Montgomery County deserves!  Kudos to our area's Justice Overstreet for dissenting."

Governor JB Pritzker weighed in.   “We can now move forward with historic reform to ensure pre-trial detainment is determined by the danger an individual poses to the community instead of by their ability to pay their way out of jail,” 

State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) released the below statement following the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on the SAFE-T Act. 

“If there were any questions before, it is abundantly clear now to all Illinoisans how political our state’s highest court has become. This ruling was not about what is actually in our constitution, and it is not about what is best for the average Illinoisan. It is about politicians sitting on the bench and voting to support the extreme and dangerous agenda of this Governor and his legislative allies.  

“It is unhealthy to our society for the judicial branch of government to become as politicized as it has become. The politics that has infected our highest court will now tie the hands of local judges and law enforcement who work hard every day to keep Illinoisans safe. This is dangerous to the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement, it is devastating to communities across our great state, and it is frightening to the families who just want safe neighborhoods. All of this simply because a few of our top elected officials kowtow to activists and are completely disconnected from the realities their constituents face every day.” 

Local State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), a former Sangamon County prosecutor, offered a statement.   “It’s disappointing that the Supreme Court overruled our state’s constitution and the will of the people of Illinois by upholding the SAFE-T Act. This ruling is just one more blow to the credibility of the Illinois Supreme Court, particularly after two of the justices accepted a million dollars from the main proponent of the Act—Governor JB Pritzker. This is yet another victory for the people who choose to commit crimes in our state. Where are the victories for the victims?”