Ammons Landmark Measure to Promote Higher Education Programs for Incarnated Individuals Signed into Law

URBANA, Ill. – Legislation passed by state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, will assist people who have been incarcerated with building new skills and advancing their higher education.

“If the goal of our criminal justice system is rehabilitation, then giving people convicted of crimes the opportunities to learn and develop new skills is absolutely essential,” Ammons said. “Incarceration without rehabilitation is simply revenge, and, in that case, we are inviting offenders to repeat mistakes that pose a threat to their communities.”

House Bill 3648, the Higher Education in Prison Act, requires the Department of Corrections (IDOC) to create a report on higher education programs within IDOC facilities. The goal of this report is to provide the foundation for up-to-date reforms that may be necessary.

The legislation received robust bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker on Friday.

“By helping people get jobs and avoid destructive patterns, this law is a victory for public safety, a victory for our justice system and a victory for incarcerated people looking to earn a second chance,” Ammons said.