Harper-Backed Measure to Review Barriers Facing Millions of Illinoisans with Criminal Records Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is working to address long-standing barriers faced by previously incarcerated individuals after legislation she co-sponsored to reduce obstacles for people with arrest or conviction records passed the House.  

“Once a person has served their sentence, they should not continue to be punished,” Harper said. “Unfortunately, that is not the reality previously incarcerated people face upon their release from prison because they are often denied opportunities to secure jobs, housing, and financial stability—all things that they need to get back on their feet and move on from their past.” 

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.

“If we want previously incarcerated people to leave crime in their past and move forward as law abiding citizens, then they’re going to need to be able to access housing, jobs, and other services,” Harper said. “This legislation is the natural expression of that. We can’t say that people should reform themselves while at the same time leaving them without the things that all of us need in order to survive.”

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