Bill
HB 5302
The bill requires releasing authorities to provide an opioid antagonist (eg, naloxone) to inmates released from custody who were jailed for drug-related charges or have a substance
Jurisdiction: Illinois
Bill title: JAIL RELEASE-OPIOID ANTAGONIST
Status: Introduced February 10, 2026 by Rep. Justin Slaughter; referred to committees; Senate action in 2026 with sponsor and co-sponsors listed. As of the latest action, the bill has moved through several committees and readings.
Purpose and intent
- The bill requires that, upon release from custody, certain prisoners and committed persons be provided with an opioid antagonist (e.g., naloxone) by the releasing authority. This applies to individuals incarcerated for drug-related charges or identified as having a substance use disorder.
- The overarching goal is to reduce overdose deaths and support reentry by ensuring immediate access to life-saving medication for individuals at risk of opioid overdose after release.
Key provisions and changes
1) Counties Code (new) – Release; opioid antagonist
- Section 3-15003.13 (new):
- Upon release from a county correctional institution, county jail, or related correctional facility, the sheriff is required to provide the released prisoner with an opioid antagonist if:
- The prisoner was incarcerated for drug-related charges, or
- The prisoner is identified as having a substance use disorder.
2) Unified Code of Corrections – Release from the institution
- Section 3-14-1 (amended):
- Several traditional release provisions remain (property return, clothing, transportation, etc.), with additional or cross-referenced measures related to release.
- New or amended subsections address:
- (a-3) Voting rights information and a voter registration form provided at release, including multilingual availability and department confirmation of receipt.
- (a-4) Medicaid eligibility screening prior to release; assistance completing Medicaid applications; address tracking requirements if housing changes occur post-release.
- (a-5) LEADS reporting: upon release, notify the individual of any in-effect protective orders identified in LEADS.
- (c) Procedures for written notification to law enforcement and relevant agencies about releases; notification timelines and electronic notification where possible, including notice to public housing agencies if the released person resides in such a facility.
- (c-2) Notice to Illinois State Police regarding releases of individuals convicted under specific methamphetamine laws for dissemination to local and state/ federal agencies.
- (c-5) If a released person becomes a resident of facilities licensed/regulate by health or social service agencies, the Department of Corrections must share certain records with those facilities and licensing bodies within 3 days of residency.
- (c-10) Notification to Prisoner Review Board and law enforcement when a released person becomes resident of a licensed facility.
- (d) HIV/AIDS-related information and programs upon release.
- (d-5) Upon release, provide an opioid antagonist if the person was incarcerated for drug-related charges or identified as having a substance use disorder.
- (e) Verification of identity documents for released persons; provision of birth certificate and Social Security card or verification form as applicable.
- (f) Pre-discharge outreach (45 days before scheduled discharge) including:
- Health care coverage/applications (Medicaid) assistance
- Identification card information and potential automatic voter registration
- Job listings and housing information
- Directory of elected officials and other reentry resources
- Other information to aid reentry and reduce recidivism
- (g) 60 days before discharge, or upon receipt of birth certificate and Social Security card, an Identification Card application to the Secretary of State.
- Department may adopt implementing rules.
3) County Jail Act – Release; opioid antagonist
- Section 19.7 (new):
- Upon release from jail, the warden must provide the prisoner with an opioid antagonist if the prisoner was incarcerated for drug-related charges or identified as having a substance use disorder.
4) Cross-referenced provisions
- The bill involves amendments to multiple code sections to align discharge procedures, reentry support, and opioid antagonist provisioning with the new release requirement.
Who would be affected
- Prisoners and committed persons released from:
- County correctional institutions
- County jails
- Department of Corrections correctional institutions or facilities
- Specifically, individuals incarcerated for drug-related charges or who have a recognized substance use disorder.
- Reentry stakeholders include:
- Sheriff's offices and jail administration
- Department of Corrections
- Parole and probation agencies
- Health services (Medicaid/ID cards)
- Election authorities (voter registration/automatic registration)
- Housing authorities and public housing agencies
- Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors
- Licensing and regulatory bodies (for facilities housing released individuals)
Key procedural and timeline aspects
Release-day responsibilities:
Pre-discharge requirements (about 45–60 days before discharge):
Documentation and identity verification:
Data sharing and reporting:
Implementation:
Effective date
- The bill references elements from prior acts (e.g., P.A. 103-345 and 104-11) and proposes a rollout through standard rulemaking and interagency coordination, with many actions triggered at release or pre-discharge milestones. Specific dates for implementation would be determined by regulations issued after enactment.
Overall impact
- Expands access to opioid antagonists for individuals released from incarceration who are at risk of overdose.
- Integrates health coverage, identification, voter information, and reentry supports into the release process.
- Enhances coordination among corrections, health, housing, and law enforcement agencies to support successful reintegration and reduce overdose risk and recidivism.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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