Illinois Lawmaker Pushes for SAFE-T Act Reform

Rep. David Friess introduces bill to address issues with 'flawed' criminal justice reform law

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

State Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) has introduced legislation to reform the Illinois SAFE-T Act, which he says has led to dangerous individuals being released back into communities despite public safety risks. Friess' bill, HB4907, would require a defendant's pretrial release to be revoked if they are charged with any new offense while already on pretrial release.

Why it matters

The SAFE-T Act, a major criminal justice reform law in Illinois, has faced criticism from law enforcement and prosecutors who say it has led to public safety issues. Friess and other Republicans are pushing for changes to the law to address these concerns.

The details

Friess' bill, HB4907, would require a defendant's pretrial release to be revoked if they are charged with any new offense while already on pretrial release. Friess said he has spoken with law enforcement across his district who report that dangerous individuals are being released back into communities despite evident public safety risks. The bill builds on previous efforts by Friess and Illinois House Republicans to reform the SAFE-T Act.

  • Friess introduced HB4907 last week.

The players

David Friess

A Republican state representative from Red Bud, Illinois who has introduced legislation to reform the SAFE-T Act.

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who signed the SAFE-T Act into law.

Truth in Public Safety Working Group

A group that has formally urged Governor Pritzker to consider improvements to the SAFE-T Act.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— David Friess, State Representative (republictimes.net)

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

— David Friess, State Representative (republictimes.net)

What’s next

The Illinois legislature will consider Friess' bill, HB4907, as part of ongoing efforts to reform the SAFE-T Act.

The takeaway

The SAFE-T Act, a major criminal justice reform law in Illinois, has faced criticism from law enforcement and prosecutors who say it has led to public safety issues. Lawmakers like Rep. David Friess are pushing for changes to the law to address these concerns and prioritize public safety.