The bill amends the Corrections Code of 1953 to enhance support for prisoners reentering society by requiring the Department of Corrections to assist them in obtaining essential identification documents, such as state personal identification cards and Social Security cards, before their release. It also mandates that prisoners receive written information about voter registration and election processes, ensuring they are informed of their rights to register and vote upon reentry. Additionally, the bill establishes a reentry success fund to support these initiatives and requires the Secretary of State to create a document detailing voter registration information.
In terms of the parole process, the bill clarifies that parole is not guaranteed and must be initiated by the parole board, outlining specific conditions under which a prisoner may be denied parole. It mandates that when a denial occurs, the board must provide a written explanation and, if applicable, recommendations for corrective actions. The bill also introduces definitions for key terms related to the parole process, including "medically frail," which describes individuals with serious medical conditions who pose a minimal threat to society. These amendments aim to improve the reentry process and ensure that the health and well-being of prisoners are considered during parole evaluations.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 791.234, 791.235