Defend the Pretrial Fairness Act: Resources and Information

Since 2016, Community Renewal Society member congregations have worked with the Coalition to End Money Bond and the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice to eliminate the use of wealth-based pretrial incarceration in Illinois. As a result, on February 22, 2021, The Safe-T Act, which includes the Pretrial Fairness Act (HB 3653), was passed and signed into law.  

Through the Pretrial Fairness Act Illinois has taken significant steps toward addressing the harm pretrial incarceration has caused communities across our state. Mass incarceration has disproportionately impacted communities of color. In addition, the overuse of pretrial jailing does not keep communities safe or help people avoid future involvement in the system.    

During the Spring 2022 legislative session, the Pretrial Fairness Act came under attack fueled by lies and misinformation. Communities across Illinois came together to fight attempts to repeal the Act or lessen its impact. Advocacy by member congregations and volunteers stopped proposals that would have weakened protections for people on electronic monitoring or jailed more people awaiting trial.  

The Pretrial Fairness Act is again under attack, and we need your help to defend it.

Share this letter opposing the SB4228, SAFE-T Act Trailer Bill

Share this letter calling to protect the electronic monitoring provisions of the Pretrial Fairness Act and to halt the expansion of this harmful technology

Read the Coalition to End Money Bond’s Newsletter Defending the Pretrial Fairness Act from SB4228

View the “Obscuring the Truth” fact sheet, explaining how misinformation is skewing the conversation

Email our CRS Policy and Organizing team to learn more about this important work.