Addressing criminal justice through Adult Redeploy saved IL $76 million from 2011-2015
Addressing criminal justice through Adult Redeploy saved IL $76 million from 2011-2015
The state initiative has both saved taxpayer money and given offenders the opportunity to break the cycle of incarceration.
By Hilary Gowins
Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees
Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees
Although a new study by Northwestern University researchers shows ex-offenders can make good hires, obstacles such as negligent-hiring liability hinder employers willing to give ex-offenders a chance.
By Amy Korte
Sharing a photo of your completed ballot could be a felony in Illinois
Sharing a photo of your completed ballot could be a felony in Illinois
If you take a photo of your ballot to post on Facebook or Instagram in Illinois, you’re a felon and could get up to three years in prison.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Rauner, lawmakers push for IDs for ex-offenders
Rauner, lawmakers push for IDs for ex-offenders
Gov. Bruce Rauner and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are supporting SB 3368, which would issue IDs to ex-offenders immediately upon release from prison, easing their transition to post-prison life and employment.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Which Illinois county is most likely to lock you up?
Which Illinois county is most likely to lock you up?
Research shows Hardin, Macon and Marion Counties lead the state in prison admissions per 10,000 residents.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Amid political darkness, a bright spot in criminal justice reform
Amid political darkness, a bright spot in criminal justice reform
Pete Leonard has employed 35 ex-offenders since 2009 at Second Chance Coffee Company in Wheaton.
By Austin Berg
Illinois voters support sealing for nonviolent offenses
Illinois voters support sealing for nonviolent offenses
A majority of Illinois voters surveyed in a recent poll back record sealing for nonviolent offenders. Here’s how policymakers should make this happen.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Rauner signs bill limiting prison phone call costs
Rauner signs bill limiting prison phone call costs
New law reduces the rate for which Illinois’ adult and juvenile corrections facilities can contract for inmate telephone service.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
New law reduces barriers to park district employment for ex-offenders
New law reduces barriers to park district employment for ex-offenders
Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a bill allowing ex-offenders with certain drug convictions to apply for jobs with Illinois park districts within seven years of completing a prison sentence or probation.
Chicago Police Department cannot avoid requests for private emails under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act
Chicago Police Department cannot avoid requests for private emails under Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act
According to a ruling from Illinois’ attorney general, government employees cannot conceal work-related communication on private email, despite the Chicago Police Department’s arguments for it.
By Joe Tabor
Rauner signs bill to discourage incarceration for low-level offenders with no prior violent convictions
Rauner signs bill to discourage incarceration for low-level offenders with no prior violent convictions
Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed into law Senate Bill 3164, which requires a court to review a presentencing report and explain why incarceration is appropriate prior to imposing a prison sentence on a Class 3 or Class 4 felony offender with no prior violent convictions.
By Amy Korte
Rauner signs juvenile justice reforms into law
Rauner signs juvenile justice reforms into law
The governor signed two bills designed to improve outcomes for Illinois youth who become involved with the criminal justice system.
By Austin Berg
Rauner signs bill giving ex-offenders a shot at success
Rauner signs bill giving ex-offenders a shot at success
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s pen writes a storybook ending for a single mom from Decatur.
By Austin Berg