Criminal Justice
Let’s work together to fight for criminal justice
The following bills are moving through the Illinois General Assembly. Ask your state legislators for their support!
HB1268 Fully Free Act
HB2767 Increase Protection for Youth in County Detention Centers
SB1886 Fair Probation Drug Testing
Give it five minutes
Call or email your state representative: “I am contacting you on the League of Women Voters of Illinois Lobby Day to let you know that the League supports SB1886—and as your constituent, I want you to support it too. Please help fight for criminal justice by supporting SB1886.”
Call or email your state senator: “I am contacting you on the League of Women Voters of Illinois Lobby Day to let you know that the League supports HB1268 and HB2767—and as your constituent, I want you to support them too. Please help fight for criminal justice by supporting HB1268 and HB2767.”
Give it more time
Activate your networks
Encourage friends to contact their state legislators by using these graphics for social media, emails, and texts.
Suggested copy:
Support families’ right to estate equity! HB1268 provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony is qualified to act as an executor. Ask your state senator to support HB1268. Learn more: lwvil.org/lobbyday23 #LobbyDayLWVIL
Increase protection for youth in County Detention Centers! Ask your state senator to support HB2767. Learn more: lwvil.org/lobbyday23 #LobbyDayLWVIL
Blanket drug testing doesn’t help people on probation succeed. Ask your state representative to support SB1886, which eliminates drug testing fees, limits testing for alcohol and cannabis to appropriate cases, and ensures that doctors, not courts, make treatment decisions. Learn more: lwvil.org/lobbyday23 #LobbyDayLWVIL
Stop by your state Senator’s HOME Office
Drop in! Without an appointment, you might not be able to see your legislator, but you can drop off fact sheets (find them below) and maybe talk to a staffer.
What’s at stake: Learn about the bills
HB1268 Fully Free Act
HB1268 provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony is qualified to act as an executor if: (i) the testator names that person as an executor and expressly acknowledges in the will that the testator is aware that the person has been convicted of a felony; and (ii) the person is not prohibited by law from receiving a share of the testator's estate and (iii) the person is otherwise qualified to act as an executor. Ask your state senator to support HB1268.
Background: Those who have completed their sentences still find many barriers which limit their participation in their communities. At present, anyone convicted of a felony is not allowed to be an executor of an estate, even when it is the desire of the testator.
League Position: The League believes the removal of unnecessary barriers encountered by people with criminal records would enable a successful return to society.
HB2767 Increase Protection for Youth in County Detention Centers
HB2767 provides that the Department of Juvenile Justice Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsman also shall be Ombudsman for county-operated juvenile detention centers and provides that the Ombudsman shall secure the rights of youth committed to county-operated juvenile detention centers. Ask your state senator to support HB2767.
Background: The Independent Juvenile Ombudsman’s role is to ensure that the rights of youth committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice are fully observed, and to assist in pursuing services for committed youth and their families determined to be in need of assistance. HB2767 expands the oversight powers of the Ombudsman to county juvenile facilities.
League Position: The League supports a juvenile court system that provides opportunities for effective protection, treatment and rehabilitation.
SB1886 Fair Probation Drug Testing
SB1886 eliminates drug testing fees, limits testing for alcohol and cannabis to appropriate cases, and ensures that doctors, not courts make treatment decisions for people on probation. Ask your state representative to support SB1886.
Background: Drug testing fees can cause financial hardship and may be unrelated to the crime of conviction; testing may interfere with work schedules.
Blanket drug testing doesn’t help people on probation succeed
League Position: The League believes the removal of unnecessary barriers encountered by people with criminal records would enable a successful return to society.