Bill > SB1395

This bill, known as the Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act, aims to eliminate 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 of the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and other standard examinations that might prevent these individuals from participating in educational, work, and vocational programs. By waiving these testing requirements, incarcerated individuals with disabilities will be able to earn earned sentence credits (ESC) or "good time served" on the same terms as other incarcerated individuals. The bill requires annual staff training on identifying and supporting individuals with disabilities, to be developed in collaboration with disability advocacy organizations and educational institutions. Additionally, the legislation ensures that the Department of Corrections complies with federal disability laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides a grievance process for individuals who are denied access to programs or accommodations. The underlying goal is to reduce systemic barriers, promote rehabilitation, and prevent discriminatory practices that could increase recidivism rates for incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1395&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104