Gov signs justice bills to help some get ‘ 2nd chance’
Gov. Bruce Rauner on Monday signed into law five bills aimed at changing the state’s criminal justice system to help young people avoid incarceration — or to help people who end up behind bars get back on their feet once they’re released.
One of the bills seeks to keep low- level offenders out of prison by requiring an explanation from judges of why incarceration is appropriate for people with no prior probation or prison sentences.
Another bill changes the minimum probation period for minors. The measure was enacted to bring Illinois in line with other states and the latest research by reducing mandatory minimum lengths of probation and emphasizing treatment, not punishment, for low- level drug offenses.
“We’re all human. We’re God’s children. We’re not perfect. We make mistakes,” Rauner said Monday at a bill- signing ceremony held at a West Side facility that helps ex- offenders get back on their feet. “People deserve redemption. People deserve an opportunity for a second chance.”
Rauner grabbed from a row of pens to also sign into law a bill that allows a juvenile to immediately petition the court for expungement when he or she is charged with an offense that is dismissed without a finding of delinquency. Previously the law only allowed for a petition of expungement to be sought when the youth reached the age of 18.
Another bill will make using the phone more affordable for inmates by requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to reduce the rate they can contract for telephone providers.
Seven Democratic and one Republican state legislator spoke at the bill signing. “This is proof positive that we can work together to get things done,” said Rep. Elgie Sims ( D- Chicago).