summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall permit every committed person to receive the original, physical copy of any mail addressed to the committed person that the committed person is entitled and allowed to receive. Provides that any exceptions to the requirements of this provision must be based on evidence that complying with the requirements of this provision present a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the correctional employees or committed persons in the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must include evidence of contraband being sent through the mail, data on the number of mail items containing contraband, test results of mail tested due to suspicion of mail containing drugs, data on where inside a correctional institution or facility contraband has been found, and the method of entry of contraband into the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must be made available to the public upon request. Provides that no committed person shall be denied, or have communications limited, with an outside support person, whether by phone, mail, video, or in person visitation, as a result of a disciplinary sanction or grade level of the infraction. Provides that committed persons may contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message free of charge. Defines "original, physical copy".
AI Summary
This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to enhance mail and communication rights for incarcerated individuals. It requires all Department of Corrections institutions to permit committed persons to receive the original, physical copy of mail addressed to them, with specific exceptions only allowed if there is clear evidence of a genuine safety threat. To justify limiting mail, facilities must provide detailed documentation about contraband, including data on mail containing contraband, drug test results, and specific information about how and where contraband enters the facility. The bill also mandates that such evidence must be publicly available upon request. Additionally, the legislation prohibits limiting an incarcerated person's communication with outside support persons as a disciplinary action and ensures that committed persons can contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message at no charge. The bill defines "original, physical copy" as a letter, card, or document delivered by postal or delivery services, excluding scanned or photocopied documents. By providing these provisions, the bill aims to protect incarcerated individuals' communication rights while maintaining institutional safety.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Laura Faver Dias (D)*,
Mary Beth Canty (D),
Kelly Cassidy (D),
Edgar González (D),
Nicolle Grasse (D),
Will Guzzardi (D),
Camille Lilly (D),
Kevin Olickal (D),
Last Action
House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 04/11/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3713&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| House Amendment 001 | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3713ham001.htm |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3713.htm |
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