There's been years of debate over cash bail and its impact on the justice system and people who have to pay cash to stay out of jail before trial. Illinois became the first state to ban the practice.

Abortion access has declined dramatically nationwide, but many states have further protected abortion by enacting "shield laws," allocating funding, stockpiling medication and repealing old laws.

The Pretrial Fairness Act is part of a sweeping criminal justice reform package. Amid fierce Republican opposition and a pending lawsuit, Illinois prepares to implement the change on Jan. 1.