SB2975 - DECATUR WELCOME HOME REENTRY

1 Co-Sponsor

Creates the Decatur Welcome Home Reentry Pilot Program Act. Provides that the Decatur Welcome Home Reentry Pilot Program is established in the Department of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall administer the program throughout its facilities as program participation shall be available to any eligible incarcerated person seeking reentry into the Decatur, Illinois community. Provides that the Department shall establish a process by which the Department assists incarcerated persons with reentry into the greater Decatur area before they are released. Provides that the assistance provided by the Department shall include, but is not limited to, helping provide individuals with identification cards and providing workforce training before an individual is released. Provides that the Department shall partner with community-based organizations that help individuals released into the greater Decatur area to receive vocational training and assistance, find gainful employment, find housing, and provide physical and behavioral health services and support services. Provides that the Department shall provide assistance to these community-based organizations. Provides that the program shall operate for a period of 3 years from the effective date of the Act. Provides that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority shall work with the Department of Corrections to gather and analyze data detailing the annual results of the program along with overall program results. Provides that the report shall be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly no later than 6 months after the completion of the pilot program. Amends the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act to make conforming changes. Effective July 1, 2025.