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Bill > HB1810


IL HB1810

IL HB1810
INCARCERATED-DISABILITIES


summary

Introduced
01/28/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Creates the Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act. Provides that reasonable accommodations for incarcerated individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability shall include a waiver of any requirement that the individual take the Test of Adult Basic Education and receive a passing score, or take and receive a passing score on any other examination or test that the Department may require to determine academic achievement or access to educational programs, work assignments, and vocational programs. Provides that participation in these programs through the Test of Adult Basic Education waiver and other reasonable accommodations shall qualify individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability to earn earned sentence credit, consistent with opportunities provided to other incarcerated individuals. Provides that Department of Corrections staff, including educational personnel, shall receive annual training on: (1) identifying individuals who have an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; (2) providing accommodations and supports to an individual with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability in educational, employment. and vocational settings; and (3) administering appropriate alternative assessments. Provides that staff training programs shall be developed in collaboration with disability advocacy organizations and educational institutions. Provides that the Department shall ensure compliance with federal disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act of 1973, through the implementation of the Act. Provides that individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability who are denied access to programs or accommodations under the Act may file a grievance through the Department's established grievance procedures. Effective immediately.

AI Summary

This bill creates the Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act, which aims to address systemic barriers faced by incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in accessing educational and vocational programs. The legislation mandates that the Department of Corrections provide reasonable accommodations, specifically a waiver for the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), allowing individuals with these disabilities to participate in educational and vocational programs without being required to pass standardized tests that may not adequately measure their capabilities. The bill ensures that participation in these programs through the TABE waiver will qualify these individuals to earn earned sentence credit (ESC) on the same terms as other incarcerated individuals. Additionally, the legislation requires annual staff training on identifying and supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, to be developed in collaboration with disability advocacy organizations and educational institutions. The bill also mandates compliance with federal disability laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides a grievance mechanism for individuals who are denied access to programs or accommodations. By removing barriers and providing tailored support, the legislation seeks to reduce inequities, support rehabilitation efforts, and prevent increased recidivism rates for incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate (on 02/13/2026)

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