McHenry Co. Board Votes To Oppose SAFE-T Act, House Bill 3447

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The McHenry County Board voted to oppose the SAFE-T Act and House Bill 3447 during a meeting this past week.

The Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity - Today Act, also known as the SAFE-T Act, is a broad criminal justice reform law enacted by the Illinois General Assembly, which will eliminate cash bail and change standards for detaining arrested individuals, according to a news release. Portions of the SAFE-T Act will come into effect in January of 2023.

House Bill 3447 is another piece of criminal justice legislation which, among other reforms, will reduce the penalty for the possession of less than three grams of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine from a felony to a misdemeanor, according to the news release.

Local politicians requested the board's support in opposing both the SAFE-T Act and House Bill 3447 during a law and government/liquor committee meeting on Sept. 29.

“As public officials, it is our highest responsibility to protect the safety of our residents,” said County Board Chairman Mike Buehler, R-Crystal Lake. “By opposing the SAFE-T Act and House Bill 3447, McHenry County is sending a clear message to Springfield that we oppose legislation that could put criminals back on the streets and decriminalize illegal drugs in our community.”

After listening to the public’s comments and debating on the best ways to protect the residents' interests, the county board voted 14-6 to pass a resolution opposing House Bill 3447. The county board then voted 13-8 to pass a separate resolution opposing the SAFE-T Act.