SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives passed legislation Thursday night to collect and publicize data on contraband found in Illinois prisons.

The plan could require the Illinois Department of Corrections to document the contraband, where it was found, and any method of entrance to the facility. That includes employee and visitor entrances, vendor entrances, mail delivery or attorney visits. 

Sponsors said this can provide transparency around emergency medical responses, hospitalizations and drug overdoses.

"Getting this data is very important with all of the things we've been hearing over the last couple years in department," said Rep. Greg Johnson (D-East Moline). "So, we were very open to moving it out and giving them sufficient time to compile and report the data."

Senate Bill 2201 passed out of the House on a 109-1 vote. It now moves back to the Senate due to an amendment. 

"As public servants, we have a responsibility to improve transparency between state-run agencies and Illinoisans," said Sen. Graciela Guzmán. "Without transparency, there is no way for the public to trust that any plans to stop the spread of contraband are founded in evidence, and may instead be harmful to people who are incarcerated. This initiative will ensure any plans are rooted in facts, and ensure people who are incarcerated are not mistreated in the process of changing these policies."

If passed and signed into law, IDOC would be required to start collecting data July 1, 2026 and publish the information on or before August 1 of each year.

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