The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, on a vote of 5-2, that the new controversial Illinois SAFE-T Act is constitutional. It goes into effect September 18.

Sixty-five state’s attorneys, including Bond County’s Dora Mann, were part of a lawsuit, arguing the act is unconstitutional. The case went to the Illinois Supreme Court earlier this year.

The act will eliminate cash bail for those arrested in the state. Proponents note that under the act, people can be detained pending trial, only if they pose a threat to the public or are a flight risk.

State’s Attorney Mann was upset about the ruling and was asked about it at Tuesday night’s Bond County Board meeting. She said Illinois will be the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail. She said while she will follow the law, she believes this move will be detrimental to the state. Full Story

Mann said in addition to the strain on her office, it will put strain on all levels of law enforcement as well. The mandate is unfunded and she pointed out the county will experience a $600,000 loss in revenue just from not having bail fees.