Rep. Friess Pushes SAFE-T Act Reforms, Introduces New Public Safety Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud) introduced legislation to address issues
with the flawed SAFE-T Act through HB4907. The bill would require a defendant's pretrial release to be
revoked if they are charged with any new offense while already on pretrial release. This effort continues
Rep. Friess' push for meaningful reforms to a law that has compromised public safety and placed an
unsustainable burden on law enforcement agencies and courts across Southern Illinois.

Since the SAFE-T Act's implementation, communities statewide have faced the real-world consequences
of policies that reduce accountability for repeat offenders. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors
consistently report that dangerous individuals are released back into communities despite evident public
safety risks.

"I have spoken with law enforcement across my district, and the message is always the same," Friess
said. "Our courts are overwhelmed, police departments are stretched thin, and local agencies are forced
to comply with unrealistic, unfunded mandates imposed by the Pritzker Administration. These are the
consequences of legislation pushed through without fully considering its impact on public safety and
local resources."

Friess' HB4907 builds on his previous efforts to reform the SAFE-T Act, including legislation requiring
automatic revocation of pretrial release for any new charges regardless of classification (HB1208), and
restoring prior consecutive sentencing rules while removing custodial credit for time spent in home
confinement or electronic monitoring (HB4006).

In total, House Republicans have introduced more than 40 bills to address the SAFE-T Act's shortcomings,
reflecting concerns from law enforcement, prosecutors, and local officials since the law took effect.
Friess is also a member of the Truth in Public Safety (TIPS) Working Group, which formally urged
Governor JB Pritzker to consider improvements to the SAFE-T Act.

"Illinois families deserve safer communities," Friess said. "We must move forward with reforms that
prioritize public safety, support law enforcement, and hold violent offenders accountable."

For questions or media inquiries, please contact Rep. Friess' District Office at 618-282-7284.