SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House could soon vote on a bill to provide free state IDs to people leaving Illinois prisons and jails.
Incarcerated people who previously held a state ID or driver's license would be able to submit a form to the Secretary of State's office. Applicants would need a photo taken by the correctional facility and must provide proof of residency upon discharge.
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Sponsors hope people released on parole, mandatory supervised release or a pardon could receive a temporary 90-day state ID if they do not receive a standard ID before they leave a correctional facility.
Experts from the University of Illinois Gies College of Business argue the insurance industry is a major economic driver for the state.
"The impetus for this legislation is to help reduce recidivism," said Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia). "We know that if you come out and you're already able to get identification that it helps you gain traction as you go forward."
Senate Bill 2803 passed out of the House Restorative Justice Committee on a partisan 5-3 vote and now moves to the House floor for further consideration. The proposal passed out of the Senate on a 41-18 vote on April 10.
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