The Illinois General Assembly passed over 600 new laws in 2019. Some helped taxpayers, but many more hurt as they spent $85 billion while doing little to fix the pension crisis.
The gift of a second chance
Illinois has started to embrace second chances for people who have been through the criminal justice system.
In a tough year, some new Illinois laws to welcome
While 2017 was a bad year for Illinois taxpayers, there are bright spots among the bills that passed the General Assembly.
Record sealing, expungement have the power to reduce crime, benefit Illinois’ economy
In 2017 the Illinois General Assembly passed two bills that can improve employment outcomes for ex-offenders, potentially reducing crime and saving millions of dollars.
Rauner signs bills to expand criminal record sealing and juvenile record expungement
The new laws will make it easier for ex-offenders re-enter their communities.
Illinois lawmakers pass record sealing expansion
Both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly have now passed a measure to enable more ex-offenders to petition a court to seal their criminal records. This will help former inmates gain access to employment – and stay out of prison.
Illinois House passes legislation to expand record sealing
Reforms such as record sealing expansion make it likelier that ex-offenders will be able to find work – and stop cycling in and out of prison. That means they and their families will have a chance to succeed. And the more ex-offenders enter this virtuous cycle – instead of returning to prison – the better off the state and taxpayers will be, too.
Work over prison: Illinois should expand record sealing
Research shows that recidivism rates drop for ex-offenders who are able to find steady employment.
Illinois’ executive clemency record proves need for sealing reform
Illinois governors don’t just pass on debt to their successors – they also leave behind a backlog of petitions for clemency.
Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees
Although a new study by Northwestern University researchers shows ex-offenders can make good hires, obstacles such as negligent-hiring liability hinder employers willing to give ex-offenders a chance.