HB4559 / SB3333: Clarify Access to Sentence Credits for Jail Programming (Rep. Norma Hernandez & Sen. Laura Ellman)
Guarantees people in jail awaiting trial receive sentencing credit for completion of eligible programs, as intended, by clarifying statutory language. Collaborating organizations: ACLU of Illinois, Alliance for Safety & Justice, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, DuPage County Public Defender’s Office, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, John Howard Association, Women’s Justice Institute
Want to know what people in prison think about their living conditions and treatment? In 2025 JHA surveyed 18 IDOC prisons; we have received nearly 5,000 responses to date representing 30% of the population surveyed. JHA is continuing our survey at additional facilities in 2026. We’re releasing the results by prison as they are finalized; find them here.
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JHA continues to be concerned about the shift to mail scanning in IDOC. Without data on how drugs get into prisons and without considering all the ways in which contraband enters facilities, the Proposed Amendments and move to mail scanning are a rush to put an ill-fitting bandage on a wound that’s source is unexamined.
JHA is grateful to Sen. Guzman and Rep. Johnson for their leadership and commitment to passing SB2201, which mandates the collection and public reporting of prison contraband data.
Once implemented, the public will have better access to information related to contraband found in prisons – such as what, where it is found, and who in the facility (person in custody, staff, vendor, etc.) is in possession of or attempting to procure the contraband.
This data will allow for determination of impactful and effective policies and practices that will improve the safety of everyone inside IDOC but not be unnecessarily punitive to people in custody.
