Bill > HB3362

This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to establish clear guidelines for handling physical mail in correctional institutions. Specifically, the bill requires that all Department of Corrections institutions and facilities allow committed persons (inmates) to receive original physical mail after a thorough inspection, as long as the mail does not pose a security or safety threat. The bill precisely defines what constitutes a security or safety threat, which includes letters containing physical harm threats, plans for criminal activity, blackmail, attempts to send contraband, coded messages, violations of departmental rules, unauthorized correspondence with other incarcerated individuals, or contents that violate state or federal law. The legislation aims to ensure that inmates' communication rights are preserved while maintaining institutional safety, providing a structured approach to mail screening that balances personal communication access with facility security concerns. By explicitly defining what can be considered a threat, the bill seeks to create a more transparent and standardized process for mail inspection in correctional facilities.

Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3362&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104