Illinois SAFE-T Act: House, Senate pass numerous revisions to controversial law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois House and Senate passed numerous revisions to the SAFE-T Act Thursday.

State Senate Democrats filed a trailer bill to the law this week, addressing concerns with the Pretrial Fairness Act. 

This is the provision that ends cash bail. 

State Sen. Robert Peters, a Democrat from Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, filed the 308-page amendment. 

Two of the big changes are getting a lot of attention.

Now added to the list of crimes that would disqualify someone for bail include kidnappings, second-degree murder and arson.

Additionally, the new bail requirements apply only to those charged after Jan. 1 — unless current detainees petition the courts.

MORE: Orland Park implements new policy that will bypass SAFE-T Act

This means that someone being held now could ask for a hearing to be released.

There were some testy exchanges during the revision process.

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Senate Republicans said they weren't invited by Democrats to review the changes passed Thursday. 

"I believe this particular motion and movement, right here, will be the catalyst to true change in Illinois until the people finally figure out what's taking place here," said state Sen. Darren Bailey. "

"I'm confused. You didn't like the process then, you don't like the process now, you won't like the process tomorrow. When will you like the process? When will you participate? When will you come to the table and say, ‘We want to be a part of the process of improving our state,’" said Sen. Elgie Sims of the 17th District. 

The SAFE-T Act takes effect Jan. 1

MORE: SAFE-T Act will increase Illinois property taxes, House Republicans say

Numerous lawsuits have been field against the legislation by sheriffs and state's attorneys. 

A judge is expected to rule on whether the law is constitutional by Dec. 15.