Majority of Illinoisans support criminal-justice reform
Majority of Illinoisans support criminal-justice reform
Majority of Illinoisans think the state’s criminal-justice system is unfair
Majority of Illinoisans think the state’s criminal-justice system is unfair
A new Illinois Policy Institute report discusses a recent poll showing broad concern about the fairness and effectiveness of Illinois’ criminal-justice system and strong support for reforms to improve it.
Economic freedom enables success after prison
Economic freedom enables success after prison
Eliminating barriers to opportunity would benefit both ex-offenders and the state of Illinois.
HB 5104 would hinder state in subcontracting for medical care for IDOC inmates
HB 5104 would hinder state in subcontracting for medical care for IDOC inmates
A bill that has been sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner would hamstring the state in subcontracting for medical services for inmates of the Illinois Department of Corrections, compromising the state’s ability to provide the best, most cost-effective care.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signs marijuana decriminalization bill
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signs marijuana decriminalization bill
Effective immediately, possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana in Illinois is punishable by a fine, instead of a misdemeanor with possible jail time.
Chicago City Council committee passes resolution supporting expansion of record sealing
Chicago City Council committee passes resolution supporting expansion of record sealing
In a July 11 resolution, Chicago City Council’s Committee on Public Safety urged the General Assembly to pass “meaningful sealing reform” to help ex-offenders re-enter the job market and their communities more successfully.
Cost of police misconduct highlights need for risk management
Cost of police misconduct highlights need for risk management
The city of Chicago paid over $146 million in police misconduct and public safety claims in 2013 and 2014, according to the city inspector general’s report.
New Hampshire legislature passes civil asset forfeiture reform
New Hampshire legislature passes civil asset forfeiture reform
The New Hampshire legislature has passed an overhaul of asset forfeiture laws to protect rights of innocent property owners; Illinois should do the same.
Illinois lawmakers pass Cook County expungement and sealing reforms
Illinois lawmakers pass Cook County expungement and sealing reforms
If signed, HB 6328 will remove expungement fees in Cook County for those who were arrested but never convicted.
Police in Illinois can seize your property without convicting you of a crime
Police in Illinois can seize your property without convicting you of a crime
Illinois police have taken in a total of $72 million in seized property over the past two years.
A mother’s will to win
A mother’s will to win
It’s easy to get cynical about Illinois politics. Frustration is the norm in Springfield. Optimism is an emotional liability. But Lisa Creason doesn’t play by those rules. When it comes to politics in the Land of Lincoln, the single mom from Decatur just pulled off the biggest underdog story of 2016. She drove to Springfield...
General Assembly passes occupational-licensing reform
General Assembly passes occupational-licensing reform
HB 5973 would remove significant occupational-licensing barriers, thereby making it easier for former offenders to support themselves and their families – and making it less likely ex-offenders will commit crimes in the future.
Rauner agrees to expand medical marijuana program for those with PTSD, terminal illnesses
Rauner agrees to expand medical marijuana program for those with PTSD, terminal illnesses
A compromise among Illinois’ legislative leaders will extend the length and scope of Illinois’ medical marijuana pilot program.
Removing barriers for ex-offenders: Occupational-licensing expansion bill passes Illinois Senate
Removing barriers for ex-offenders: Occupational-licensing expansion bill passes Illinois Senate
House Bill 5973 would help ex-offenders support themselves and their families by removing barriers for nonviolent ex-offenders who want to work in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, hair braiding, nail services, roofing and funeral service.