summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Corrections Family Notification Act. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall notify all approved visitors of a committed person when that person is: (1) placed in restrictive housing; (2) removed from restrictive housing; (3) housed in a unit subject to lockdown; or (4) returned to normal operations following a lockdown. Establishes the contents of the notification. Provides that no security-sensitive details shall be disclosed. Provides that notification shall be provided via email and SMS text message, if the visitor opts in. Provides that the Department shall maintain an online portal for visitors to update contact information and select preferred notification methods. Provides that notification of the end of confinement or lockdown must be sent within 2 hours of normal operations resuming. Provides that if a notification is sent in error, the Department shall issue a corrected notification within 2 hours of identifying the error. Provides that the Department shall publish an annual report summarizing compliance. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provision, including: (1) visitor contact management; (2) communication protocols; and (3) data privacy protections. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, also known as the Corrections Family Notification Act, requires the Department of Corrections to notify approved visitors of a committed person (an individual incarcerated in a correctional facility) when that person is placed in or removed from restrictive housing (meaning they are confined to their cell for more than 22 hours a day), or when their housing unit is placed on lockdown (a suspension of normal activities) or returns to normal operations. These notifications, which will not include security-sensitive details, must be sent within two hours of the event occurring and will be delivered via email and SMS text message if the visitor opts in. The Department will maintain an online portal for visitors to update their contact information and preferred notification methods, and will also publish an annual report on its compliance with these notification requirements, with rules to be adopted to manage visitor contacts, communication, and data privacy. This new law will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/14/2026)
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