On Sept. 18, 2023, Illinois will take a historic step by becoming the first state to end the archaic system of cash bail. The moment is cause for celebration and deep appreciation for the communities, advocates and legislators who long toiled to make the law a reality. But this moment also requires cooperation and dedication to making the law work — even from those who previously opposed the new law.
Ending cash bail will improve the lives of many in our state. Under the cash bail system, a person’s access to wealth — not public safety — is the primary factor that determines who is released and who is jailed while awaiting trial.
