ROLLBACK “TRUTH-IN-SENTENCING” – SB 2259/HB 3901

House Sponsor: Representative Justin Slaughter

Senate Sponsor: Senator Robert Peters

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Bill Status

Introduced In House

Introduced In Senate

Support SB 2259/HB 3901

HB 3901/SB 2259 would allow people sentenced under “truth in sentencing” to earn more “good time.” Eligible people could earn up to 15% more time off of their sentences from what they currently can earn.

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Bill overview

In 1998, Illinois passed a “truth-in-sentencing” law that limits the time a person can earn off their prison sentence. Before 1998, people in prison could earn as much as 50% of time off their sentences through good behavior and participation in programs. This was commonly called “good time.”

HB 3901/SB 2259 would allow people sentenced under “truth in sentencing” to earn more “good time.” Eligible people could earn up to 15% more time off of their sentences from what they currently can earn.

“Good time” incentivizes people to participate in restorative programming, which is one of the safest ways to reduce the prison population and prepare people to return home.

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BACKGROUND

Today half of the people in IDOC can earn 50% off of their sentences. The others are required to serve 75, 85, or 100% of their sentences. The number of people who have access to “good time” has gone down since Illinois enacted “truth in sentencing” in 1998.

HB 3901 would allow people sentenced under “truth in sentencing” to earn more “good time.” Eligible people could earn up to 15% more time off of their sentences from what they currently can earn.

History of Sentencing

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Restore Justice focuses on sentencing, prison conditions and practices, and pathways to release.

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