Bill > HB5559

This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to ensure that all correctional institutions and facilities allow committed persons, meaning individuals incarcerated within the system, to send and receive all "original physical mail," which is defined as letters, cards, or documents delivered by postal or delivery services and not scanned or copied. While the Director of Corrections can still inspect and read mail for security, safety, or morale reasons, mail will not be denied if it has been inspected and determined not to pose a threat. A "threat to the security or safety" is broadly defined to include mail containing threats of harm, blackmail, plans for illegal activities or escapes, coded messages, violations of departmental rules, unauthorized correspondence between incarcerated individuals, violations of state or federal law, or evidence of hazardous substances. The bill also mandates that starting July 1, 2027, the Department of Corrections will collect and report data on mail deemed a threat, including the number of pieces, the type of threat, and testing results, and this data will be made public on the Department's website.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=5559&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104