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Rauner signs bill giving free birth certificates to released prisoners

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Illinois

* Seems like common sense…

Continuing his push for criminal justice reform, Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed Senate Bill 1413, which allows men and women to receive their birth certificate for no fee upon their release from the Department of Corrections.

“I am proud to sign this legislation that removes an unnecessary obstacle standing in the way of an offender’s second chance at life,” Gov. Rauner said. “When men and women leave a correctional facility and don’t have a birth certificate, they can’t do the most basic things. People need birth certificates to prove their identity, to find housing, to get a job and earn a decent wage. This legislation is just one more step in our effort to reduce the prison population and give people a real second chance.”

The bill, which was unanimously approved in both chambers of the General Assembly, removes a financial barrier for men and women who are trying to get back on track following release from prison. It is part of the governor’s efforts to reduce recidivism and, in turn, the prison population to give more Illinoisans a second chance. Gov. Rauner set the goal of reducing Illinois’ prison population by 25 percent by 2025. As of August 2017, the prison population is down approximately 11 percent since Gov. Rauner took office.

Specifically, SB 1413 amends The Vital Records Act, which currently provides that the State Registrar of Vital Records shall search birth records upon request for a $10 fee. The State Registrar can then issue a certified copy of the birth certificate upon request, for an additional $5 fee. This bill provides for a one-time waiving of the $10 and $5 fees for a person upon release on parole, mandatory supervised release, final discharge, or pardon from the Department of Corrections if the person presents a prescribed verification form from the Department of Corrections verifying the released person’s date of birth and social security number.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 11:34 am

Comments

This is a good bill.

Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 11:36 am
I wish he had devoted most of his time on criminal justice issues vs IPI stuff. Good governing is good politics - a quaint old saying

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 11:41 am
I guess I don’t see the big deal. While I agree that it’s in everyone’s best interest to have offenders reorient into society and be productive, what about other fees that could be seen a obstacles such as driver’s licenses, license plate fees, etc.? Are we going to waive those as well?

Comment by Stones Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 11:47 am
“I wish he had devoted most of his time on criminal justice issues vs IPI stuff.”

Actually, this is the type of bill IPI supports. Along with other criminal justice reforms that make it easier for folks to reestablish their lives upon release. It is the one area that I can agree with them.

Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 11:48 am
@Stones “I guess I don’t see the big deal.”

It’s a simple act that pays dividends for folks that are complete with their sentences. If it helps them find work quicker and stay out of prison it’s worth it.

The fact that you ‘don’t understand’ doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy program. And frankly, if providing these folks with a State ID for no cost was cost efficient, I’d go for it as well.

But on the other hand, if we just re-admit them for around $47,000/year the savings on the $2.00 for giving them a B/C seems well worth it…./s

Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 12:11 pm
what How Ironic said.

Actually a State ID and for those who have been rcviming reg medical care having them signed up for health insurance so they can cont getting meds would also be good.

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 12:15 pm
How Ironic @ 12:11

I agree with your assessment but why the meager $5 waiver? Why not waive other fees that may cause someone difficult y in obtaining employment as well?

That’s my point. $5 means little in the scope of things.

Comment by Stones Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 12:23 pm
Am I correct that this would only apply to prisoners who were born in Illinois?

Comment by Anon E. Moose Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 12:27 pm
Great bill.

Comment by Mr B. Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 1:16 pm
Moose- Yes - the Illinois Vital Records Act only applies to Illinois births (and other IL-specific Vital Records) so you’re correct. If a released prisoner was born in another state, their record would only be released under the requirements of that State law.

Comment by Reese's Pieces Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 1:23 pm
Uh, Anon, IPI has explicitly endorsed this type of reform.

https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-should-issue-ids-to-ex-offenders-upon-release-from-prison/

Comment by connection Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 1:31 pm
So the guy who burglarized my house after quitting his job while on parole for a second offense which was committed while on parole for the first offense will now get free birth certificates?

Maybe they should pass a law burglars have to show their birth certificate before they break and enter.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:05 pm
@Anon…Let me guess, you’re also the guy that rather than give a homeless guy a sandwich when you pass him by you give him a solid kick and instruct him to ‘get a job’.

Comment by How Ironic Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 2:57 pm
Well, anyone would approve a bill like this. Let’s not carry on like criminal justice reform in this administration is significant. At all.

Comment by State worker Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:19 pm
meh. small move.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:38 pm
The Governor got this one right. Good job.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Aug 9, 17 @ 3:42 pm