summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Credit for Change Act. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Eliminates provisions that a person must serve various percentages for particular offenses. Provides that the rules and regulations shall provide that the individual in custody shall receive one day of sentence credit for each day of service in prison other than when a sentence of natural life imprisonment has been imposed. Provides that each day of sentence credit shall reduce by one day the incarcerated person's period of incarceration set by the court. Provides that within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Department of Corrections shall recalculate each incarcerated person's release date irrespective of the incarcerated person's conviction or sentencing date by crediting each person one day sentence credit for each day the incarcerated person has spent in prison on the current sentence. Provides that the Department shall award sentence credit accumulated prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act in a specified amount to a committed person serving a sentence for an offense committed after June 19, 1998, if the Department determines that the committed person is entitled to this sentence credit, based upon certain specified factors. Provides that the Department, in consultation with the Advisory Board, shall make available to all persons in its custody current materials about sentence credits, containing detailed information regarding eligibility, earning, revocation, calculation, and documentation of credit, in the following formats: (1) in print; (2) on the Department's website; and (3) in a visible location on the premises of each Department facility where notices are customarily posted. Makes technical changes. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Credit for Change Act, significantly alters how individuals in the Department of Corrections (DOC) earn sentence credit, aiming to incentivize rehabilitation and reduce the incarcerated population. Key provisions include eliminating the requirement to serve specific percentages of sentences for certain offenses and establishing a system where individuals in custody will generally receive one day of sentence credit for each day served in prison, which directly reduces their court-ordered incarceration time, unless they are serving a life sentence. The DOC is mandated to recalculate all incarcerated individuals' release dates within six months of the bill's effective date, applying this new day-for-day credit retroactively to their current sentences. Furthermore, the bill requires the DOC to provide clear and accessible information about sentence credits in print, online, and at facilities, and it allows for the award of previously earned sentence credit for individuals who committed offenses after June 19, 1998, based on specific factors. The Act takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura (on 03/24/2026)
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