2021 IMPACT
Public Act 102-0535 created a statewide point of contact for families visiting incarcerated loved ones. This point of contact is tasked with receiving complaints, suggestions, and requests from visitors. Before this bill, family members visiting incarcerated loved ones had little to no redress when denied access or treated unfairly. People in visiting rooms had to rely on staff at a particular facility to address conflicts or concerns. These same staff members may have been directly involved in the issue. Public Act 102-0535 gives families someone to call who can investigate complaints and attempt to resolve issues. Families often drive hundreds of miles and spend hundreds of dollars to visit loved ones; this is a huge win to ensure visits are successful.