On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill aimed at providing free identification cards to individuals exiting correctional facilities in Illinois. While the state currently offers ID cards to those leaving the Department of Corrections or the Department of Juvenile Justice, this new law extends the program to include all county jails and federal prisons across Illinois. The law became effective immediately upon Pritzker’s signature.
During a bill signing ceremony at the Women’s Justice Institute in Chicago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias highlighted that the new law enables his office to waive specific document requirements that previously hindered individuals from obtaining their IDs. Additionally, the law permits officials to verify a social security number directly through the Social Security Administration without the need for a physical card.
Giannoulias, who played a role in expanding access to free IDs at the Cook County Jail last year, emphasized the importance of identification, stating that people often overlook the privilege it provides. He mentioned that his office has issued around 3,000 ID cards to individuals exiting Illinois correctional facilities in the past two years. As part of the initiative, the Secretary of State’s office plans to conduct educational seminars with correctional facilities to enhance awareness and participation in the program.
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