Will County Gazette

State Representative House District 97 candidate Michelle Smith is calling for the immediate repeal of the Safe-T Act. 

As the overhaul of the state’s criminal justice system is set to take effect, voices from across the state have been warning thousands of those alleged of having committed the most serious crimes will be released into communities. 

“If elected, a top priority of mine will be repealing the Safe-T Act,” Smith said in a statement. “This law will only add to the increasing crime throughout the state which negatively impacts our collective way of life: children are unsafe walking to school, businesses are moving out, and people generally do not feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Soft on crime policies, like the Safe-T Act, allow criminals to avoid accountability while leaving the hard-working, law-abiding citizens of Illinois left to clean up the mess.”

With its nearing implementation next year, many have been warning of the impending release of thousands of prisoners across the state currently being held captive awaiting trial for serious crimes. The bill requires courts to increase the processing speed of those awaiting trial. If it goes into effect as planned the Safe-T Act will not only end cash bail but will also result in the release of those charged with the most serious crimes including robbery, kidnapping, arson, second-degree murder, intimidation, aggravated battery, aggravated DUI, aggravated flight, drug-related homicide, and threatening a public official.

Smith will face Democrat Harry Benton in the Nov. 8 election. She has noted crime and public safety as being top issues in her campaign. Her website underscored that Smith "cares for her community and remains troubled by the direction Springfield politicians continue to take our state, pushing extreme policies over tackling Illinois’ greatest challenges such as rising crime rates, lowering education standards, and endless attempts to increase taxes. She is running for state representative in the 97th district to restore public safety, support parental rights in the classroom, and get our economy back on track.” 

The Madison-St. Clair Record reported that of the state’s attorneys across Illinois, 100 of 102 are in support of repealing or changing the act.