Crawford Bill to Review Barriers Facing Millions of Illinoisans with Criminal Records Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to address long-standing barriers faced by previously incarcerated individuals, state Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, successfully advanced legislation out of the House, praising its passage as a step toward reducing obstacles for people with arrest or conviction records.

“Illinois is a state that believes in second chances, but so far that belief has not always been reflected in practice,” Crawford said. “Too often, the consequences extend far beyond a sentence and can follow someone for the rest of their life, making it harder for them to fully move forward.”

In Illinois, nearly 4 million residents—about one in three—have some form of arrest or conviction record. Even after completing their sentences, many encounter significant challenges securing employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

House Bill 5091 establishes a task force composed of experts, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to conduct a comprehensive review of these barriers. The task force will evaluate current policies, identify what is working, and recommend reforms where needed. The legislation does not alter existing criminal laws or sentencing guidelines, but instead focuses on gathering data and developing informed, practical recommendations. A final report is expected by January 2028.

“People are being held back by mistakes they made earlier in life, facing difficulties in the job and housing markets, and even becoming severely depressed as they struggle to reenter society,” Crawford said. “We don’t want that, and that’s why this legislation is key—we will work to find meaningful solutions so everyone has a fair shot after they have already paid their dues for the crimes they committed.”

House Bill 5091 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.