IllinoisHB4235104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

CD CORR-COMMITTED PERSON MAIL

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall ensure that a committed person and the committed person's correspondents are not charged any fee, surcharge, or cost for mail communication or mail scanning services that exceed the standard postage rate set by the United States Postal Service. Provides that the Department shall not charge the committed person or correspondent any fee, surcharge, or cost for any incoming mail addressed to and received by the committed person, including any material received through mail scanning services. Provides that the Department shall not charge the committed person any fee, surcharge, or cost for outgoing mail delivery or mail scanning services that exceeds the postage rate set by the United States Postal Service for any outgoing mail. Provides that the Department or any third-party vendor that the Department contracts with, shall not impose any fee, surcharge, or cost to the committed person above the United States Postal Service rate for mail communication, including the delivery or scanning of mail. Provides that the Department shall not use the provision of voice communication services, mail communication, mail scanning services, or any other communication services to supplant in-person contact visits. Provides that the Department shall not receive revenue, directly or indirectly, from the provision of voice communications, mail communication, mail scanning services, or other communication services to a person in custody in any institutions and facilities of the Department. Provides that beginning July 1, 2027, the Department shall annually report to the General Assembly on the status of any communication services contracts and plans to consolidate contracts to maximize purchasing power for voice communication services, mail communication services, and all other communication services. Provides that the Department shall post the report on its website. Effective immediately.

judiciary - criminalassignmentscriminal law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Lower costs for prison mail

The law bars charges for incoming mail addressed to and received by a person in custody. Charges for outgoing mail delivery or scanning cannot exceed the standard United States Postal Service postage rate. When commercial shipping is used, charges cannot exceed that service’s rate. Stamps and essential mailing supplies, including envelopes, must be sold for no more than the Department’s actual cost, rounded to the nearest cent. The Department cannot keep revenue from calls, mail, mail scanning, or other communication services, but this rule does not require lower user charges.

Protects in-person prison visits

The Department cannot use calls, mail, mail scanning, or other communication services instead of in-person contact visits. People in custody and their visitors retain access to in-person contact visits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Abdelnasser Rashid

    Democratic • House

  • Barbara Hernandez

    Democratic • House

  • Carol Ammons

    Democratic • House

  • Daniel Didech

    Democratic • House

  • Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kelly M. Cassidy

    Democratic • House

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

  • Laura Faver Dias

    Democratic • House

  • Mark L. Walker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mary Edly-Allen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Maura Hirschauer

    Democratic • House

  • Mike Simmons

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rachel Ventura

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rita Mayfield

    Democratic • House

  • Suzanne M. Ness

    Democratic • House

  • Will Guzzardi

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 59 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

Do Pass Criminal Law;

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2026

Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate Judiciary - Criminal Committee;

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • House Amendment 1

  • House Amendment 2

  • Introduced

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