Bill > SB2445

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 distribute original physical mail to incarcerated individuals after a thorough inspection, unless the mail poses a specific threat to security or safety. The bill comprehensively defines what constitutes a "threat to the security or safety of the institution or facility," including seven detailed categories such as letters containing physical threats, plans for criminal activity, blackmail, attempts to smuggle contraband, messages in code, violations of departmental rules, unauthorized correspondence between incarcerated individuals, and content that violates state or federal law. By providing these explicit definitions, the bill aims to create a more transparent and standardized process for mail inspection and distribution, ensuring that incarcerated individuals can receive correspondence while maintaining the safety and security of correctional facilities. This legislation represents an effort to balance the rights of incarcerated individuals to communicate with the outside world while preserving institutional safety protocols.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2445&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104