Prairie State Wire

Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) spoke in opposition of a bill that would allow prisoners ages 50 years and older who have already completed 30 years in prison to enter a program similar to work-release.

House Bill 2400 is sponsored by Rep. Arthur Turner (D-Chicago). It was sent to the House Rules Committee on April 12.

Bryant said when the bill was first brought to the sponsor, it provided for individuals ages 70 years and older but was dropped down to 50 due to not having enough people to participate in the program.

"We did away with the death penalty some years ago," Bryant said. "Now we're looking at this bill. We're allowing murderers who are sentenced to life — we're allowing them to go to a program where they'll be in the community even though it's a pilot program. I guess I'm just wondering at what point do we make murderers responsible for what they've done?"

Bryant said she understands and appreciates Rep. Turner's motives.

"I believe in the conversations we've had," Bryant said. "I understand where your heart is but I think this is misplaced. I strongly urge a No vote on this bill."

The bill allows for those inmates to participate in the Pathway to Community Program, a five-year pilot program within the Illinois Department of Corrections that would accept 15 males and 15 females who are deemed qualified. Those excluded are people convicted of first-degree murder of a peace officer or firefighter and those deemed as sexual predators.