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 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 written 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 waiving interviews for parole and specifies factors the board must consider in their decisions. The bill introduces provisions for medical parole for prisoners deemed medically frail, detailing the requirements for such parole. It also mandates that when the parole board denies a prisoner's release, they must provide a written explanation and recommendations for corrective actions. Key terms related to the parole process, such as "medically frail," are defined to ensure that health considerations are taken into account for individuals who may pose a minimal threat to society.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 791.234, 791.235