summary
Introduced
12/10/2025
12/10/2025
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall establish a remote work policy for committed persons in the Department's custody to allow those persons to obtain gainful employment by private, approved employers. Establishes eligibility requirements for the program. Establishes conditions for employers who hire committed persons for remote work. Provides that a committed person may be terminated from the committed person's remote work employment at any time for any reason at the complete discretion of the Director of Corrections or the facility chief administrative officer, or their designees. Provides that all monetary compensation shall be directly deposited by the employer into the committed person's Illinois Department of Corrections account. Provides that the employer must pay the committed person employed remotely the same wage as the committed person's non-committed counterparts that work in the same role, have the same tenure, or as otherwise determined by Department policy. Provides that a committed person may appeal a decision to deny or withdraw approval to search for remote work, apply for remote work, or accept an offer for a remote work position or a decision to terminate them from a remote work position by submitting a written letter to the Deputy Director via the U.S. Postal Service or certified mail. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to establish a comprehensive remote work policy for incarcerated individuals (referred to as "committed persons") in the Department of Corrections' custody. The policy allows eligible inmates to obtain employment with private, approved employers while serving their sentences, with specific eligibility requirements including having a high school diploma, serving at least 30 days in the facility, being in general population, and having no recent disciplinary violations. Employers must follow strict guidelines, including paying the same wage as non-incarcerated workers, directly depositing wages into the inmate's Department of Corrections account, and complying with labor laws. The bill prohibits remote work for individuals with certain past convictions or those who would have access to sensitive information. A facility community program coordinator will oversee the program, managing employer relationships and monitoring inmate participation. Inmates can be terminated from remote work at the discretion of corrections officials, and they have the right to appeal decisions through a formal process. The program aims to provide employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals while maintaining strict security and performance standards, with the policy set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee (on 02/24/2026)
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