SB 3180: Families Need Transparency

The Illinois General Assembly established a Point of Contact within the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) by unanimously passing Public Act 102-535 in 2021. Now, family members can share complaints, suggestions, and requests with the Point of Contact to help ensure contacts with their loved ones are successful, and they are treated fairly. 

However, many family members who call and email the Point of Contact say their issues are not being resolved. More transparency and accountability are necessary to identify significant problems and remedy them in future policymaking. 

SB 3180 would require the Point of Contact to publish an annual public report on issues being raised by family members. The annual report would provide data to allow the General Assembly to identify significant problems and address them for future policymaking.

Bill Status

This bill was introduced on January 13, 2022. It passed through both chambers of the General Assembly and will now head to the Governor.