Prairie State Wire

Illinois House Democrats are pushing forward a bill that could reshape the state’s sentencing laws by allowing long-term incarcerated individuals, including those serving life sentences, a chance at early release. House Bill 2764 (HB2764), set for a key committee hearing today, would establish an "earned reentry" system for prisoners who have served at least 20 to 35 years, depending on when the law takes effect.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) and co-sponsored by six other Democratic lawmakers, outlines a phased eligibility system for earned reentry. Those who have served at least 35 consecutive years would be eligible in the first year following the bill’s enactment, decreasing to 25 years in the second year and 20 years thereafter. Hearings would be overseen by the Prisoner Review Board, and individuals granted earned reentry would have their sentences considered complete after mandatory supervised release. The bill would apply retroactively.

HB2764 was filed with the House Clerk on February 5, 2025, and underwent its first reading on February 6. After referral to the Rules Committee, it gained additional co-sponsors, including Reps. Kelly M. Cassidy, Anne Stava-Murray, Barbara Hernandez, Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Rita Mayfield, and Theresa Mah. On March 4, the bill was assigned to the Judiciary - Criminal Committee.

The Illinois Sheriffs' Association has publicly opposed the bill, arguing that it undermines accountability in sentencing and could pose a risk to public safety by allowing for the early release of violent offenders. The association maintains that the current parole and clemency systems already provide pathways for review in exceptional cases.

The Judiciary - Criminal Committee will hold a hearing on HB2764 today at 4:00 PM in Room D-1 of the Stratton Building in Springfield. Public testimony and witness slips will be accepted as the debate over sentencing reform continues.

Carol Ammons is a progressive Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, serving the 103rd district since 2015, according to her bio page. She was the first African American woman elected to this position. Prior to her legislative role, Ammons served on the Urbana City Council and the Champaign County Board.