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One
of the measures taking effect Jan. 1 is Senate Bill 423, which
supports the reintegration of individuals into the community
while aiming to lower the possibility of recidivism and increase
public safety.
Senate Bill 2073 allows those sentenced to life in prison while
under the age of 21 to become eligible for parole review.
Another going into effect has to do with the resentencing of
prisoners, according to Jenny Vollen Katz of the John Howard
Association.
"One is around the earned program sentencing credits and that
they are going to apply retroactively," Vollen Katz told The
Center Square. "I know there is still conversation on how they
will implement that law."
The law will give prisoners time-off credits for participating
in programs.
"What it does is make up for time where people were not getting
those credits but participating in activities or a job that
would earn them sentencing credits at different points in time,"
Vollen Katz said. "So I think sort of making people whole."
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed SB243 back in July and explained his
hopes for the law through a statement.
"It's a system that is evidence-based and transparent, which is
just what our families and neighborhoods deserve," Pritzker
said. "This bill speaks to the promise of Illinois. A promise of
equity, empathy, public safety and true justice."
Cook County will also be making changes as a new program will
offer state ID cards for those who are finishing up their jail
sentence in Cook County jail with the aim to help those who have
recently been released with job searches, opening bank accounts,
and buying a home or car.
The program is spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi
Giannoulias, who said it will help recently released people get
a start on reentering society.
"For those who have been incarcerated, access to a home, a job,
and a doctor is commonly impeded by unfair barriers,"
Giannoulias said. "Each is crucial for a successful reentry back
into society, and that access starts with a small but
significant item that many of us take for granted, the
state-issued identification card."
Measures will go into effect in 2024.
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