SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois will soon collect and publicize data on contraband found in prisons thanks to a new bipartisan law.
The legislation requires 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 and attorney visits.
Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-East Moline) said this law 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 the department," Johnson said. "So, we were very open to moving it out and giving them sufficient time to compile and report the data."
IDOC will be required to start collecting this data July 1, 2026, and publish the information on or before Aug. 1 of each year.
This measure also requires the department to make public any substance use disorder treatment or educational materials provided to incarcerated people, or those who have used contraband drugs, to ensure they are receiving adequate treatment and education on substance use issues.
"In order to prevent tragic overdose deaths, we need to better understand where contraband drugs are coming from instead of enacting policies without evidence demonstrating it will be effective in stopping the proliferation of banned goods," said Sen. Graciela Guzmán (D-Chicago). "Thanks to our work with this legislation, we will soon have a better understanding of how these goods get into DOC facilities, so we can begin work to prevent their movement and consumption."
The law passed out of the House on a 109-1 vote and received unanimous support in the Senate. Senate Bill 2201 took effect Friday.
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