Suits Filed Against SAFE-T Act in Half of Illinois' Counties

Half of the state's attorneys in Illinois have now filed suit against the SAFE-T Act.

Effingham County State's Attorney Aaron Jones Friday said suits have been filed in 51 of the state's 102 counties. Jones' suit, and the others filed in Illinois, seek injunctive relief on the basis that the SAFE-T Act violates the state constitution. The alleged violations include the elimination of cash bond, single-subject rule, the separation of powers, the three readings requirement for legislation, and that the measure is unconstitutionally vague. 

Jones still expects that the suits will be consolidated and heard as one in Sangamon County, the seat of state government in Illinois.

(CLAY COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY PHILLIP GIVENS)

Clay County State's Attorney Phillip Givens has filed a similar suit. Givens said the SAFE-T Act is a "rushed attempt to reform the criminal justice system." He said the Act increases the threat to public safety by tying the hands of law enforcement and judges.