The debate over ending cash bail in Illinois could be a focus of the state legislature.
Supporters say it’s important that people of lesser means aren’t locked up in county jails because they can’t afford bail. The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association says the bail system should be left alone.
Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Jim Kaitschuk says from what he hears from members “there must be a gold mine in the jail” because defendants seem to always come up with bail money. But, he says the issue of bail should be left up to judges.
He says if cash bail is done away with, it would also squeeze law enforcement budgets.
It’s unclear what kind of bail reform measures could advance, if any at all, but Governor J.B. Pritzker says he's making the issue a priority for this legislative session.