SB 1976: Point of Contact

Before Family members visiting incarcerated loved ones have little to no redress when they are denied access or treated unfairly.

Individuals in visiting rooms must rely on staff at a particular facility to address conflicts or concerns with facility staff. These same staff members may be directly involved in the issue.

SB 1976 creates a statewide point of contact for the Illinois Department Of Corrections (IDOC). This point of contact will be tasked with receiving complaints, suggestions, and requests from visitors. ​Families drive hundreds of miles and spend hundreds of dollars to visit loved ones, and IDOC needs to help ensure these visits are successful.

Bill Status

The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 26, 2021. It passed through both chambers unanimously, and Governor JB Pritzker signed it into law.