Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Republicans in the Illinois House say even after a number of attempts the last couple years to try and fix the controversial SAFE-T Act, it needs even more repairs, and a recent Chicago-area death proves that.

Megan Bos, 37, was reported missing in February. Two months later, she was found dead, having been doused in bleach, in the area of some garbage cans and under a tarp behind a home near Antioch.

What’s more, Bos’ mother Jennifer says, a suspect is nowhere to be found after his initial arrest — released by a judge.

“Due to how his charges are classified, under the SAFE-T Act, he was released the next morning without bail or monitoring,” said Bos.  “What happens the next time he gets scared?  What is he going to be willing to do?”

The suspect reportedly claimed Megan Bos died from a drug overdose, but otherwise admitted to the alleged concealment of her death, including destroying her cell phone.

Three laws are being proposed at the capitol by Republicans, including one that would give judges more discretion in whether a suspect can remain behind bars before trial.

One bill “would give judges the authority and discretion that the proponents of the SAFE-T Act claim they want judges to have,” said State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), at a State Capitol news conference Thursday.  He says it would help fill what he call gaps in the detention net — crimes that could be considered detainable offenses.

Two other bills, he says, address issues with the pre-trial release of offenders, including if terms of that release are violated.

“As that law was being debated, [Republicans] warned of the likely negative public safety consequences that would follow the eventual implementation of the SAFE-T Act,” said Windhorst.  “What we saw after the law was enacted in 2021 was Democrats bringing back several bills to fix problematic and unworkable provisions in the law.”

The bills being proposed now are HB 1482, HB 1483, and HB 1479.  While all have received co-sponsors since being introduced, none have been acted upon, aside from receiving committee assignments.