Sangamon County State's Attorney Dan Wright said the Pre-Trial Fairness Act will change pre-trial detention standards and replace the cash bail system.

The bill's sponsors said the goal is to make sure those charged aren't being held in jail simply because they can't afford bail.

However, Wright said there are "significant public safety concerns" with the new rules.

Some of his main concerns are when a judge can determine if a suspect is too dangerous to be released and the standards of proving someone may be a flight risk if released.

Wright goes on to say the act lists specific charges where a judge can rule a suspect be detained because they may be dangerous, but the list does not include some offenses that are considered dangerous.

These charges include aggravated battery, arson, burglary, and drug charges.

There are also concerns about releasing inmates who may be a flight risk.

Wright says "the new law does not permit judge to evaluate potential danger to the community unless the charged offense is among those specifically listed or there is 'clear and convincing evidence' that an individual presents a 'high likelihood of willful flight.'"

Wright states that while attorneys can argue a flight risk in cases where a person is charged with a Class 3 felony or above, the act will keep judges from considering pre-trial detention for either dangerousness or flight for some offenses.

Despite these concerns, Wright said there are valid points to eliminating cash bail, and pre-trial detention shouldn't be determined by financial resources.

He is optimistic about discussions with the bill's sponsors and their willingness to change the bill before it goes into effect.