Legislation requires IDOC to provide information to soon-to-be-released incarcerated people

SPRINGFIELD – This Monday, the Illinois Senate approved a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that would provide information to returning citizens from state prisons in an effort to reduce recidivism rates.

“One of the major contributors to recidivism rates is continued instability after an incarcerated person is released,” Peters said. “If these folks are denied the right to live their best lives, they may face challenges that risk further destabilization. Reentering citizens need not just proper services and support, but information on how they can go about obtaining them.”

House Bill 3235 would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide information about various topics, including obtaining an ID card, voter registration, job listings, available housing, and any other information the department believes could help prevent recidivism to an incarcerated person no later than 45 days prior to their scheduled release from the IDOC system.

“Formerly incarcerated people need to have an opportunity to reintegrate into society once they’ve finished serving their sentences,” Peters said.

The Senate approved the measure with bipartisan support. Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, its next stop is the governor’s desk.