Southern Illinois News

In a news conference on March 23, Rep. Patrick Windorst (R-Harrisburg) said there's a connection between the passage of the SAFE-T Act and the rising crime rate in Illinois.

“Violent crime is up 4% on the year and there has been a 31% increase in overall property crime in 2022, following a four-year decline in such crimes dating back to 2018," Windhorst said. "Also, these increases are after historic reductions in violent crime from the early 1990s to the mid-2010s. The attitude and policies endorsed by the Democratic supermajority and signed by Gov. Pritzker have led to lessened penalties for criminal offenses and the removal of immediate consequences for those who violate some laws.”

Referring to Democratic lawmakers, Windhorst said, “Their policies have also hindered the police from doing their jobs in enforcing the law. We've seen murders and shootings increase. We've seen the videos of the mobs smashing windows and grabbing retail items on the Magnificent Mile. We've seen carjackings and theft rings thrive. On the first day of this spring session, in early January, I took to this very microphone to call for the repeal of the SAFE-T Act. I filed a House resolution, HR 598, and a bill, HB 4499, that would lead to the repeal of the SAFE-T Act. The SAFE-T Act had little to no public or Republican involvement.”

Windhorst filed House Resolution 598 on Jan. 5 to repeal the SAFE-T Act. More than a dozen Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors of the resolution. The measure has been assigned to the Judiciary - Criminal Committee but has not been called to debate or discussion yet. 

"We filed legislation necessary to improve public safety. Time is running out for the session. Now is the time to pass the bills that we are sponsoring to make it happen," Windhorst said.

“House Republicans warned that the SAFE-T Act contained harmful financial impacts and unfunded mandates for local communities and police forces," Windhorst said. "In fact just this week the Westfield Police Department in Clark County permanently disbanded, citing the SAFE-T Act provisions and the cost therein for its dissolution. House Republicans warned changing legal standards for use of force for police officers would hinder them from doing their jobs.” 

Windhorst also filed House Bill 4499 in January, which also focuses on repealing elements of the SAFE-T Act. More than a dozen House Republicans also are co-sponsors on that legislation.