Boone County State's Attorney, sheriff join others in suing Illinois over SAFE-T Act

FROM NEWS REPORTS
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Boone County State’s Attorney Tricia L. Smith announced Thursday that she and Boone County Sheriff David Ernest are joining a bipartisan coalition of state’s attorneys and sheriffs throughout Illinois who are challenging the constitutionality of the SAFE-T Act passed by the Illinois legislature in January 2021.

According to a press release issued by Smith Thursday afternoon, she and the sheriff have filed a lawsuit Wednesday "to protect the interests and the safety of the people of Boone County."

More:The end of cash bail and more: What's in Illinois' SAFE-T Act?

Provisions of the SAFE-T Act accomplish shared goals of fairness, equity and transparency, the release states, but some aspects of the new law affecting the court's ability to detain individuals who are charges with crimes "are very troublingfor the safety of our community."

By joining the lawsuit, Boone County would likely be included in any rulings.

"Sheriff Ernest and State’s Attorney Smith will continue to work with their colleagues across Illinois inhopes to reach a satisfactory compromise with the legislature," the release states. "We remain committed to protecting the safety and constitutional rights of all of Boone County’s citizens.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford-area state's attorney, sheriff join others in suing Illinois over SAFE-T Act