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Ending cash bail, more rehab part of Pritzker prison plan

By News Oct 6, 2020 | 8:17 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The governor of Illinois has outlined proposals for improving the criminal justice system. Gov. J.B. Pritzker made the proposals on Tuesday.

They stem from a commission headed by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton at work since January.

The recommendations include eliminating cash bail and determining detention based on a defendant’s threat to public safety. Another plan would provide more health care and mental health treatment to divert low-level drug offenders from prison. And long prison sentences would be shorted by beefed-up rehabilitation programs.

Pritzker credited the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus with pushing the agenda for many years.

The Legislature returns in November.