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. They 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.
