The review process will include consideration of additional factors, including but not limited to, prior convictions, disciplinary record while incarcerated, programming participation, and record of rehabilitation while incarcerated. Crime victims in any case being considered for resentencing will have an opportunity to address the CCSAO and the court as part of any resentencing consideration and proceeding. SB 687 included a provision that says it would have only taken effect if the amendment was approved, so it will not take effect - but it's still noteworthy in that the state's budget woes aren't going away and lawmakers will likely have to address it in other ways in the upcoming year. Block Club Chicago is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, nonpartisan and essential coverage of Chicagos diverse neighborhoods. He had purchased a TV and they would not let him have it. Beyond the changes under the new law, Mr. Schiraldi, advocates and parole officers alike have said that further changes are needed to strengthen the parole system. At the time, some thought fixed-length sentencing would help address racism in the states criminal justice system, according to Parole Illinois. new parole laws in illinois 2022 ? - Cng l & Php Lut HB2989 House Floor Amendment 2,3,4: This would expand the Youth Firearm Sentencing Law to those 20 and under at the time of the crime. The Impact Of Prison With No Possibility Of Parole Common and Chance the Rapper spoke at the news conference about meeting Chicago inmates and the impact it had on them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Submit your email address to be notified of crucial legislative action items, fundraisers, and news about our progress. Please leave us a message and we will respond as soon as possible. Contact email: saoresentencinginitiative@cookcountyil.gov. Yes! He contends a new parole statute (730 ILCS 5/54.5-115 (West - 2020)), which affords defendant an opportunity to obtain parole, and the dayfor-day good - . HB3958 House Floor Amendment 1: This bill would prevent any oral, written, or sign language statement of an accused made as a result of a custodial interrogation conducted at a police station or other place of detention from being admissible as evidence in felony criminal proceedings unless an electronic recording is made. On Wednesday, in a filing in state Supreme Court in the Bronx, lawyers asked the states courts to release more than 90 detainees, arguing that the corrections department had not followed the requirements of the new law and was now illegally detaining people. We agree about the need for a more proactive approach. SB1976 would give families someone to call who can investigate complaints and attempt to resolve issues. If he does nothing, it becomes law anyway; if he vetoes it, the Legislature can override the veto with a three-fifths majority and make the bill law. "For decades Black people have had too often their natural and protective hairstyles weaponized against them," Pritkzer said at the time. it is strange how the Corrections is facing this dilemma all over the state. It relaxes some of the rules around body camera use, removes some language about when use of force is allowed, and extends deadlines for training requirements. Those serving life sentences became eligible after 20 years. Victims will be given the rights outlined in the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. He was detained on Feb. 17 for missing reports with his parole officer, and under the new law, he would be entitled to a separate hearing to consider possible release from jail. The form requests the following information: the incarcerated persons name, date of birth, IDOC number, current IDOC facility, projected release date, case numbers, crimes, and if there are any pending requests for relief (e.g. Listen to Its All Good: A Block Club Chicago Podcast here: The CTA president swiped his work pass 24 times in two years as transit struggled. Would anyone with a humanitarian heart leave some some to look at the 4 walls for 14 days. I believe in redemption; I believe in rehabilitation; I believe in Saul on the road to Damascus, Currie said. This is just step one, Mr. Schiraldi said. "Every holiday is a time for us to reflect and this would be a day of reflection, and if you are looking to heal the nation, man, you have to recognize the true history, whether we like it or not," said State Rep. La Shawn Ford, the bill's chief sponsor. Applies retroactively. It was the Chicago Democrats final piece of legislation passed in her 40-year career as a state representative. When Kathy Hochul signed her first marquee piece of criminal justice legislation in September, it was hailed by prisoners rights groups and advocates as the most transformative overhaul to a state parole system in the nation. Calling herself an advocate for the voiceless, Jones spoke at length about the steps her partner has made to better his life, like earning multiple masters degrees and certificates and inspiring her to go to college. Two years of living through a pandemic has thrown into sharp relief how important it is to protect one's mental health. Illinois, what are we doing? Common said. Safe-T act or (Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act) This statute passed the Illinois legislature in 2021 and will go into effect on January 1, 2023. It also allows people being held in jail pre-trial (who have not been convicted) to vote. New Bill Would Reinstate Parole System in Illinois As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. People in visiting rooms must rely on staff at a particular facility to address conflicts or concerns with facility staff. Other states are granting parole.. The most recent law extends parole review to young people sentenced to natural life in prison; this ensures no children 17 and younger can receive a life without . During the session, members of the General Assembly introduced 7,004 bills. The legislation would not be retroactive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Restore Justice Illinois I am happy over some of the bills that was passed by Governor JB Pritzker but we need to be more proactive with our inmates because the treat them like animals in the penal institution. Can you please contact me and let me know what I need to do to get his sentence lowered? All Rights Reserved. Of those bills, 664 passed through both chambers (the House and Senate) and will now go to the Governor. The Act requires an overall increase of more than $7 billion in state education aid and sets 2027 as the deadline to reach full funding of the EBF formula. Could go on and on. Evanston, IL 60204. It would build on 2019s Youthful Parole Law, which created the first new parole opportunities in Illinois since the state abolished discretionary parole in 1978. Email Newsroom@BlockClubChi.org. During the campaign, Pritzker promised to create an Office of Criminal Justice Reform and Economic Opportunity under Strattons supervision. People convicted of first-degree murder or aggravated criminal sexual assault will be eligible for review after 20 years, and those convicted of predatory criminal assault of a child or given a life sentence will not be eligible. The cash bail provision became a hallmark campaign issue in the race of Illinois governor and state attorney general. Sundays through the end of October. Chance the Rapper and Common push prison parole reform in Illinois Once the CCSAO begins accepting requests and if your request fits the current criteria for consideration, the office will contact the person making the request regarding submitting additional information. This bill would limit the use of solitary confinement in prisons, jails, and immigration facilities by requiring: The United Nations and the World Health Organization have condemned the use of solitary confinement for extended periods of time, and under international standards, more than 15 days in solitary is considered torture. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune). Ive met some of the most enlightened and inspiring people in prison. The Task Force will consider ways for incarcerated people, states attorneys, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), and judges to file resentencing motions to allow someone who previously received a long sentence to be released. Illinois will be the first state to require those materials. The new law also requires that parole hearings take place in borough courtrooms, instead of correctional facilities, a change the bills writers say is aimed at increasing public transparency, allowing a detainee to appear before a judge outside of confinement and be joined by their loved ones. He is incarcerated in Robinson Correctional Facility. Today we restored hope, said Kevin Blumenberg, a lead organizer with Parole Illinois. He said Its people like me that are dealing with mental sickness and dealing with mental pain, that can change and transform, Common said. Parole Illinois representatives from the Chicago area also spoke at the news conference before leaving on buses to travel downstate to a rally Wednesday in Springfield at the Illinois State Capitol building, along with state lawmakers. We need to figure out a way to capture some of the savings made from this and plow them into housing, employment, education so that folks succeed and it reduces crime., New Law Overhauling N.Y.s Parole System Is Being Ignored, Lawyers Say, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/nyregion/parole-lawsuit-legal-aid.html. In 2022, that means minimum wage will increase to $12 an hour for standard workers and $9.25 an hour for workers under the age of 18 who work less than 650 hours per calendar year. These days one can also buy bulk ammo online but not everyone and anyone can get access. Driven by the death of Jelani Day, this law requires a coroner or medical examiner to notify the FBI if human remains in their custody are not identified within 72 hours of discovery. Inmates in Statesville corrections are like the other inmates in other prisons are facing SHORTAGES. But his lawyer said the state corrections department would not offer one. Illinois became the 47th when Pritzker signed the law over the summer. Regularly update your resume. So this movement was really born from that and because it is people in prison who are the mind behind all of this, and the energy and the heart behind all this.. The Illinois Department of Corrections to post online quarterly reports on the use of isolated confinement. The most recent law extends parole review to young people sentenced to natural life in prison; this ensures no children 17 . Restore Justice Illinois | 2023 Legislative Agenda This law ensures people whose cars have been stolen will not be liable for violations, fees, fines or penalties when their vehicles are caught on red light or speed cameras. Jones believes parole can help address what she calls death by incarceration.. A: If you have a question or receive a request or correspondence from an incarcerated person or their advocate (including loved ones and attorneys) regarding resentencing, please reach out or forward the message to saoresentencinginitiative@cookcountyil.gov. UPDATE: On February 22, 2021, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 3653 Senate Amendment 2 into law as Public Act 101-0652 - dubbed the SAFE-T Act (Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity - Today). While Senate Bill 687 was scheduled to take effect in the new year, it no longer will - but it's still worth mentioning because it's an issue that will surely continue to come up in 2021. Therefore, even if your case does not currently meet eligibility criteria for review, you can still do the following in preparation for when criteria change. Expanding on the anti-discrimination law that went into effect in 2021 and applies to schools, this law changes the Illinois Human Rights Act to include traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locks and twists to combat hair discrimination in the workplace. Clickhereto support Block Clubwith atax-deductible donation. Q: Will victims be notified if a case is being considered for resentencing? The former New York City corrections commissioner, Vincent Schiraldi, who was replaced on Dec. 31, also backed the law, and said this week that it represented a really amazing step forward.. How Long Must Illinois Students Wait for Fully Funded Schools? The new law, known as the Less is More Act, ended the practice of automatic jailing for some minor violations, like breaking curfew or missing an appointment with a parole officer. Under this measure, the Illinois State Police could remove guns from people with revoked FOID cards, including from those who are deemed to be a threat to themselves or the public, and it would create new incentives to get FOID applicants to voluntarily submit fingerprints. With the start of the New Year always comes a new set of laws to obey. Also on Monday, Lt. Gov. Frequently Asked Questions about the (CCSAO) Resentencing Initiative. So a student can be judged on their academic merit of what they've done for four years instead of three-and-a-half, four-and-a-half-hour test," said Gregory Dean, a counselor at Michele Clark Magnet High School. HJR27: It will create a task force to assess barriers and opportunities to higher education in prison (HEP) in Illinois. To whom it may concern Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The so-called Less Is More Act took effect this week, but lawyers for dozens being detained for parole violations said in a court filing that the state corrections department was disregarding parts of it. We also host Advocacy Trainings, which help loved ones learn to advance change in Springfield. It also makes voting more accessible to younger voters by making the General Election Day (November 8, 2022) a state holiday for schools and universities and requiring high schools to permit voter registration on premises and provide application information to students. A: No, you do not need a lawyer for your case to be considered for resentencing. PDF 20200930 EAJP Specialized Parole and Resentencing Laws Focused on EAs READ MORE: Gov. This resolution was led by the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prisons Freedom to Learn Campaign. Right now, 25 states prohibit life without parole sentences for people younger than 18. Ald. Abolish Life Without Parole Sentences for Children & Most Emerging Adults 18-20 2023 IMPACT. The House approved the bill on a 67-41 vote in November, more than a year after it was approved in the Senate by a 36-17 margin. But a bill in Springfield (SB2333) is working to bring it back, providing parole hearings for inmates whove served at least 20 years in prison with. Q: Can my case be considered for resentencing even if it does not meet the criteria listed above? Judges would be required to consider: 1) The persons age, impetuosity, and level of maturity at the time of the offense, including the ability to consider risks and consequences of behavior, and the presence of cognitive or developmental disability, or both, if any; 2) whether the person was subjected to outside pressure, including peer pressure, familial pressure, or negative influences; 3) the persons family, home environment, educational and social background, including any history of parental neglect, physical abuse, or other childhood trauma; 4) the persons potential for rehabilitation or evidence of rehabilitation, or both; 5) the circumstances of the offense; 6) the persons degree of participation and specific role in the offense, including the level of planning by the defendant before the offense; 7) whether the person was able to meaningfully participate in his or her defense; 8) the persons prior juvenile or criminal history; and 9) any other information the court finds relevant and reliable, including an expression of remorse, if appropriate. Persons who were under 21 at the time of their offense and have served at least 15 years for a non-sex and non-homicide offense. The parole hearings under this law are governed by Illinois's general parole hearing statutes,51 and individuals are entitled to counsel for these hearings.52 A parole hearing under this statute must be conducted by the Parole Review Board,53 with at least one member of the Board who is "qualified in the field of juvenile matters."54 The final I cant explain that to you, Jones said. Below, we recap Restore Justices 2021 legislation and other bills related to the criminal legal system. even though the thermal underwear is seconds and only lasts one winter before tearing. Chance The Rapper And Common Push For Parole In Illinois: It 'Will HB2399 - Illinois General Assembly Additionally, at this time, the CCSAO is not considering individual requests for resentencing, as the office is prioritizing the review of cases from its internal identification process based on the criteria listed above. Q: How do I contact the CCSAO with resentencing questions under this law? HB562: This comprehensive gun safety measure would modernize Illinois 53-year-old Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card law while also requiring background checks on private sales of firearms. We would love for people to meet with their state representatives and state senators. New Rule Makes Thousands of Federal Inmates Eligible for Release Previously, detainees accused of violating parole could spend up to 15 weeks in jail as hearings proceeded; the changes significantly speed up the process, while reducing parole terms for those who routinely follow rules. questions have arisen about what happens to the funding the corrections receive. I have written and called everyone in Springfield. SB 2333 is a necessary policy that will begin to correct the harms of long-term incarceration in this state and putting an end to negative impacts that incarceration has on our community, family members, and the loved ones of those who are incarcerated, Chance the Rapper said. We are really sorry about your grandson. Common and Chance the Rapper spoke at the news conference about meeting Chicago inmates and the impact it had on them. This did not pass through either chamber. This historic legislation will create a long-awaited and vital new parole system for youth facing long sentences, Pritzker said during a bill-signing event at BBF Family Services in the Lawndale neighborhood on the citys West Side. The law also adds the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System to the list of laws that agencies can work with when trying to locate a missing person. The law also requires the Illinois State Board of Education to provide schools with educational materials to teach about protective hairstyles. Diverse stakeholders will come together to assess barriers and opportunities to HEP in Illinois and recommend a legislative action to expand access to HEP for all incarcerated and formerly incarcerated scholars. Julie can also make sure your husband receives our newsletter with court and legislative updates. Got a story tip? Persons who are currently age 65 or older and have served at least 20 years for a non-sex and non-homicide offense. According to the Kankakee County State's Attorney, the ruling means the pre-trial release and bail reforms will not take effect on Jan. 1 in the 65 Illinois counties who challenged the law. This bill passed out of the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee, but it did not pass through either chamber. As of mid-June, legislators concluded business for this year's regular session. If someone needs to be kept in a cell for more than 20 hours a day, that can only last 10 days out of any 180-day period. Pritzker makes June 19 IL holiday. Students endure intense stress from tests, homework and extracurricular activities throughout the school year, often compounded by things they're going through at home. People could petition the Prisoner Review Board for parole consideration after serving 40 years or more. Save certificates and documentation that indicate your participation in any type of programming while incarcerated (e.g., educational courses, mental health and/or substance abuse treatment groups, religious activities, or groups). Provides that if any incarcerated person is released on earned discretionary reentry, his or her sentence shall be considered complete after the term of mandatory supervised release. We need a criminal justice system that reflects the values we want to see in this world.. Most people in Illinois prisons dont get evaluated for the potential for early restoration to their communities, Burlet said of the current system. At least four people who died in custody in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic were detained for minor, or technical, parole violations. The SAFE-T Act also requires that all Illinois police officers wear body cameras by 2025, establishes a more defined system for police complaints, and requires more law enforcement training. HB3512: This would establish the Prisoner Review Board as the authority for setting Mandatory Supervised Release (MSR) conditions. The Illinois Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act (EBF), a comprehensive overhaul of the state's school funding formula, was signed into law in August 2017. Gov. Pritzker Signs Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Bill Into Law This bill will ensure credit is given for time served. It moves Illinois primary from March to June 28, 2022. In order to prevent osteoporosis and other medical conditions, this law requires health insurance plans to cover medically necessary hormone therapy treatments for women who have undergone a hysterectomy and therefore induced menopause. Now, if that happened for me, I wouldnt be up here., Little Village native Pablo Mendoza, a Parole Illinois organizer who served 22 years in prison, said the criminal justice system needs to focus on rehabilitation instead of warehousing people.. These laws allow for students in Illinois to have up to five excused absences for mental or behavioral health, not just physical illness, to prioritize their mental health. Some Republican politicians and the union representing parole officers said the law removed too much latitude for individual cases and did not address other issues within the parole system. HB1063, House Amendment 1 (previously SB655): HIV criminalization in Illinois stigmatizes people living with HIV by making legal behavior like consensual sex illegal, or by increasing penalties for minor crimes such as sharing injection drug equipment. The task force will be made up of a diverse group of stakeholders, including law enforcement representatives and criminal legal system reform advocates. Parole Illinois is among those who say thats an additional punishment. Driving out through endless cornfields to a walled-off compound isolated from the rest of society, walking into an auditorium to be greeted by armed guards and then to sit and see the rows of men I was there to perform for shackled hands and feet, draped all in blue, Chance said, and then to know that after this performance, and after the ceremony, each man would be forced back into his tiny, dilapidated cell for the remainder of that day and for days on end we need to understand incarceration for what it is: torture.