CHICAGO – Following the death of his esteemed friend and colleague, State Senator Scott Bennett, State Senator Robert Peters released the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened to learn about Senator Bennett’s passing. It was just last week we were sitting next to each other and working on legislation together.

“More than a hard worker and state senator, he truly had a divine sense of humor. He was always making us laugh, and he was a pleasure to work with. He knew how to diffuse a tense negotiation with a perfectly timed joke or comment.

“My condolences are with wife his wife and children, and I know he will not be forgotten.”

CHICAGO – A measure led by Illinois Senate Democrats to clarify the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensure smooth implementation was signed into law Tuesday.

A joint effort with law enforcement, state attorneys and other stakeholders, the bill provides clarification to common misconceptions spread about the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. In recent months, a smear campaign against the law overwhelmed social media and headlines of fake newspapers, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does.

SPRINGFIELD – In collaboration with law enforcement, states attorneys and other stakeholders, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed a measure Thursday to clarify the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensure smooth implementation of the law.

“The SAFE-T Act was the result of hours of testimony and negotiations with domestic violence advocates, proponents of reform, law enforcement and states attorneys at the table working to create a pathway to a better and more equitable criminal legal system,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “However, due to the misinformation campaign led by opponents of the measure, we spent countless hours dispelling falsehoods and working to ensure that the law was not taken out of context. The trailer we passed allows us to clarify the language of this transformational law while preserving the protections for crime survivors and ensures we stop criminalizing poverty in this state.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced that $255,000 will be available for those in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation, or parole conditions, and State Senator Robert Peters is encouraging justice-impacted individuals to apply.

Grants will be made in the amounts of $40,000 to $50,000 and must be expended between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. The application deadline for this program is Nov. 10, 2022.