2024 Senate Bill 835

AI Analysis – Experimental

The legislative text introduces amendments to the Corrections Code of 1953, specifically targeting sections 34c and 35. The primary provisions of the bill focus on enhancing the reentry process for prisoners. It mandates the Department of Corrections to assist prisoners in obtaining necessary identification documents before their release, including state personal identification cards and social security cards. Additionally, the bill requires the provision of written information to prisoners about voter registration and election processes, emphasizing that individuals are eligible to vote once they are no longer confined. The bill also establishes the creation of a written document by the Secretary of State containing this voter information.

The legislation modifies existing laws by expanding the responsibilities of the Department of Corrections under section 34c to include providing voter registration information and by removing the requirement that a prisoner's refusal to obtain identification documents be included in their parole eligibility report. It also updates section 35 by eliminating the consideration of a prisoner's refusal to obtain identification documents as part of the parole eligibility report.

The bill creates the Reentry Success Fund within the state treasury, which will receive money from various sources to support the activities mandated by this section. The funds will be used exclusively for expenses related to assisting prisoners with reentry into the community.

Significant timelines include the requirement for the Department of Corrections to provide written information about identification documents during reception center processing for new prisoners and at the time of parole eligibility report preparation for existing prisoners. The parole eligibility report must be prepared not less than 90 days before the expiration of the prisoner's minimum sentence or a 12-month continuance.