Kendall County Times

State Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) recently said state lawmakers want to introduce real pretrial fairness in Illinois by addressing reform that considers the rights of the accused but not at the expense of the rest of the residents in the state.

Ugaste joined joined House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis); Assistant Leader John Cabello (R-Loves Park); and Reps. Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora), Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) and David Friess (R-Red Bud) in a Capitol Truth in Public Safety press conference to promote the reforms.

“The language of the SAFE-T Act ends cash bail statewide,” Ugaste said in a video posted on his website. “As we’ve seen in the parts of Illinois where this has already been instituted, it is not keeping these communities safe.”

Ugaste has consistently noted that any workable solution should also include cash bail, which he said should be reinstituted fairly and should be respectful of the rights of individuals who have been victimized by the growing crime rates.

“We want to introduce real pretrial fairness in Illinois by meaningfully addressing reform that considers the rights of the accused, but not at the expense of the remainder of Illinois residents,” he said in the video.

Ugaste, who is a member of the House Police & Fire Committee, also touched upon reform for law enforcement body camera requirements as well as recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers.

“We Republicans believe this bill will adequately address many of the issues we have heard from stakeholders on both sides,” he said.

During the press conference, the representatives spotlighted the TIPS Working Group, an effort focused on attracting the best candidates to the state and ensuring law enforcement has the tools it needs to keep communities safe.

“If we are going to provide for safety and at the same time provide meaningful pretrial reforms, this means we cannot just consider the rights of one group without concerning ourselves with the rights of the others,” Ugaste said.