SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston is leading legislation to provide formerly incarcerated individuals resources to acclimate the person to life outside of a correctional facility.

“By providing resources to formerly incarcerated individuals, we are giving them a chance to succeed, empower and uplift their communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must treat all Illinoisans with respect and give them a chance to succeed regardless of their background.”

House Bill 3441 would provide that upon the release of a committed person on parole, mandatory supervised release, final discharge, or pardon, the Illinois Department of Corrections must provide the person with resources to acclimate the person to life outside the correctional institution or facility. It would include access to social workers, clinical psychologists, and other counselors.

Additionally, under the measure, counselors must assist the person in obtaining housing, employment, education, health care, state identification, and other resources that the counselors deem necessary to assist in the person's adjustment to society and the prevention of recidivism.

This legislation is a direct reflection of the Illinois Black Legislative Caucus Pillar 1. The criminal justice reform pillar was written to increase public safety for everyone while dismantling the systems that hold Black people back from achieving their full potential, as well as increasing trust between law enforcement and the Black community.

“This bill is critical as it will help reduce crime, improve community health, and create better overall public safety,” Preston said. “I am proud to stand up to support formerly incarcerated individuals integration into society.”

House Bill 3441 was heard in the Senate Appropriations – Public Safety Committee and awaits further consideration.