Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed sweeping criminal justice reform legislation this week that would end cash bail statewide by 2023.
Why it matters: Illinois is the first state to move to eliminate cash bail, which critics say is a “poor people’s tax” that benefits the wealthy who can afford to post bail, and disproportionately affects people of color.
How it works: Under the new law, most defendants would be released while awaiting trial unless a judge rules otherwise, per Chicago’s WGN9.
What they’re saying: Pritzker said in a statement the legislation “marks a substantial