A press release from State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

McConnaughay proposal to reduce recidivism heads to Governor

Measure represents key recommendation of Governor’s criminal justice reform commission

SPRINGFIELD — A bipartisan criminal justice reform measure sponsored by State Senator Karen McConnaughay (R-St. Charles) is headed to the Governor’s desk that would reduce recidivism by providing former low-level offenders with a state identification card upon release.

Karen McConnaughay.

“We want offenders to leave our facilities prepared to rejoin society and start down a new path,” said McConnaughay.

“However, while a valid form of identification is incredibly important to secure employment, get approved for a leases or even sign up for a cell phone, many former inmates leave the state’s correctional facilities without any proper form of identification. Senate Bill 3368 is a commonsense proposal that offers former inmates a smoother transition into their new life and a better opportunity to succeed.”

The legislation was one of the recommendations made by the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform (ISCCJSR) as part of Governor Bruce Rauner’s effort to reduce the state’s current prison population by 25 percent by 2025. A member of the commission, McConnaughay worked alongside Governor Rauner and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to identify practical ways to reduce state imprisonment and recidivism rates, as well as preserve public safety.

“I applaud the Governor for leading this effort. The simple act of giving these men and women a state ID will make a significant difference in the lives of our former offenders who are seeking a fresh start,” said McConnaughay.

The Senate bill requires the Secretary of State to issue a standard Illinois ID card, at the time of their release, to any person being released from the DOC or DJJ who present their birth certificate, social security card, or other documents authorized by the Secretary, and two proofs of address. For individuals without these documents, the Secretary of State will issue a limited-term, 90-day ID to released individuals who present a verified document from DOC/DJJ with their name, birth date, social security number, and proof of address. They then have 90 days to present this ID at the Secretary of State to receive a standard issue ID.

Senate Bill 3368 passed the senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor, who is expected to sign the legislation into law.