Olickal-Backed Reform Offers Pathway to Opportunity for Rehabilitated Probation Participants

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Skokie, is working to make the justice system smarter and fairer with a new law that will help rehabilitate individuals after first-time and low-level offenses by allowing those who successfully complete probation to avoid the mark of a serious criminal record.

“This piece of legislation is crucial to allow Illinoisians participating in special probation programs to obtain and keep a steady job, afford housing for themselves and their family members, and have access to other opportunities that make our state safer and more equitable,” said Olickal. “The current law is contradictory and unclear, which leads to many of these folks being denied employment and affordable housing. We’re fixing this issue by making it crystal clear that those who participate in these second-chance programs are not misinterpreted as convicted felons.”

Olickal introduced House Bill 5285 during the spring session to ensure that system-involved individuals who successfully complete the terms of court-ordered probation programs for certain non-violent drug and gun possession cases are not branded as convicted criminals. This change will expand access to employment and housing opportunities that may have otherwise been denied to them, while also encouraging people with eligible cases to participate in diversion and treatment programs.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Olickal’s House Bill 5285 into law on Friday, July 19.

“People who participate in these second-chance programs are showing their desire to build better lives, but their background checks misinterpret them as convicted felons and isolate them from equal opportunities,” said Olickal. “I’m pleased to see the governor sign this bill into law so we can turn this on its head, right our wrongs, so that more people can benefit from special probation programs.”