Governor Signs Measure Creating New Parole System for Youth

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a measure that creates a new parole system for youth facing long sentences.
 
Pritzker said, “The challenges that face our justice system are entrenched and significant, but they are not insurmountable – as we are showing today. With vision and compassion, we can make real progress and put Illinois on course to becoming a model for criminal justice reform.”

For the first time, this legislation creates a mid-sentence parole consideration system for those under 20 at the time of their conviction.

Victims, witnesses and others will have the opportunity to provide input, while their identities are protected, to the Prisoner Review Board as it evaluates each case.
 
“I believe in second chances, I believe in redemption, I believe these are the values we share,” said former House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie.
 
“By allowing young people to earn a mid-sentence parole consideration, it opens the doors for rehabilitation,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Young people should have an opportunity to be defined by their growth and maturity as their brains develop, rather than having their lives be defined by the worst thing they’ve done.”
 
HB 531 also creates a comprehensive preparation process for youth in the justice system to ensure they receive information on the parole process, legal guidance and representation, and rehabilitation along the way.
 
Consideration can take place after 10 actual years of incarceration for most crimes, with additional consideration hearings at 15 and 20 years if denied release. For higher crimes like first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sexual assault, consideration can take place after 20 actual years of incarceration, with an additional consideration at 30 years.