SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers want Gov. Pat Quinn to reduce prison crowding with a new early release program. The House voted 68-50 to reinstate sentence credits for prisoners with good behavior behind bars or participate in self-improvement programs. The bill is SB2621.Non-violent inmates could qualify for as much as six months' time off their sentences.
As of press time, the prison population was estimated at 14,000 inmates over capacity. Officials are concerned about lawsuits because of the crowding.
Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie said that her plan allows disqualifying violent prisoners and giving credit for programs completed in county jail.