The bill amends the Corrections Code of 1953 to enhance support for prisoners reentering society by updating sections 34c and 35. It mandates that the Department of Corrections assist prisoners in obtaining necessary identification documents, such as state personal identification cards and Social Security cards, before their release. Additionally, the bill requires the department to provide written information about voter registration and election processes, ensuring that prisoners are informed of their rights to register and vote upon release. A reentry success fund is established to support these activities, and the Secretary of State is tasked with creating a document detailing voter registration information.

In section 35, the bill clarifies the parole process, emphasizing that parole is not guaranteed and must be initiated by the parole board. It outlines conditions for denying parole, including the requirement for an interview unless a low probability of parole is determined. The bill also allows psychological evaluations for parole decisions to be conducted by the same individual who provided therapeutic treatment and introduces provisions for medical parole for prisoners deemed medically frail. Furthermore, it mandates that when the parole board denies a prisoner's release, they must provide a written explanation and, if applicable, recommendations for corrective actions. The bill defines key terms relevant to the parole process, including "medically frail," to ensure that health considerations are taken into account for prisoners who may pose minimal threats to society.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 791.234, 791.235