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Bill Status

Introduced In House

Introduced In Senate

ALLOW PEOPLE TO EARN CREDIT FOR CHANGE – HB 3449 / SB 2257

House Sponsor: Representative Justin Slaughter

Senate Sponsor: Senator Robert Peters

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Bill overview

In 1998, Illinois passed a so-called “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 3449 / SB 2257 would allow people sentenced under “truth in sentencing” to earn credit for change. Eligible people could earn up to 25% more time off of their sentences from what they currently can earn, and eligible people could earn day-for-day “good time.”

“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.

BACKGROUND

Today about 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 3449 / SB 2257 would allow people sentenced under “truth in sentencing” to earn credit for change. Eligible people could earn up to 25% more time off of their sentences from what they currently can earn, and eligible people could earn day-for-day “good time.”

History of Sentencing

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

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