A new measure expediting the process for nonviolent offenders entering a work release facility was signed into law Friday.
Within 15 days of a committed person being placed in a work release facility, the Department is encouraged to provide information about the committed person to the state’s attorney and sheriff of the county in which the work release facility is located. This information includes, but not limited to: the offender’s name, age, physical description, photograph, offense, and sentence for which they are serving time in the Department of Corrections.
Under this new law, DOC must provide notice “as soon as reasonably practicable” to incarcerated individuals near the end of their sentence who are eligible for home confinement or other confinement outside a DOC facility.
“About 95% of incarcerated individuals are eventually released to Illinois communities. It’s in everyone’s best interest to make their transition successful,” said Mark McCombs, public analyst for Safer Foundation.
House Bill 3779 have a proven track record of making those transitions successful. “Participants in those programs are 50% less likely to recidivate than those who do not.”
House Bill 3779 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
