Welcome to prreform24.org

At prreform24.org, we discuss the unfairness of Illinois Laws. Including Truth-In-Sentencing, Accountability, Firearm Enhancement and DeFacto Life Sentences and the reinstatement of Parole.

PRREFORM Introduces prreformjourneys.org

A place where incarcerated individuals can showcase their talents, rehabilitative efforts and prove that change IS possible! Scan the QR code below to access the website!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/parole-3?source=direct_link

Bring Back Parole to Illinois — Restore Hope, Justice, and Second Chances. For more than four decades, Illinois has denied people the opportunity to prove they’ve changed, leaving thousands to serve life and long-term sentences without review. This goes against the promise of the Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 11, which states that all penalties should aim to restore offenders to useful citizenship. A fair parole system would give rehabilitated individuals a chance to be heard, reunite families, reduce taxpayer costs, and strengthen communities. Justice should include accountability, redemption, and the belief that people can change — it’s time for Illinois to make that promise real.

Sign this and support HB2764

HB2764: CD CORR-EARNED REENTRY

Check out our podcast where we interview incarcerated individuals and speak on how Truth in Sentencing has negative effects.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3uksalAjhhEjcyyMWf4ec6

Key Features of Truth in Sentencing:

Mandatory Minimums:
TIS often involves mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, requiring offenders to serve a specific percentage of their sentence. https://famm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FAMM-Truth-in-Sentencing-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Variations:
While the 85% rule is common, some states have different requirements, and some have adopted TIS only for specific types of offenses. How Mandatory Minimums Perpetuate Mass Incarceration and What to Do About It – The Sentencing Project

Historical Context:

1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act:
This act incentivized states to adopt TIS by providing grant funding for states that implemented TIS laws for violent offenders. Archived | Truth in Sentencing and State Sentencing Practices | National Institute of Justice

State-Level Implementation:
Many states have adopted TIS laws,with some requiring 85% of the sentence to be served, while others have different percentages or requirements. https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/tssp.pdf

Examples:
Washington State passed the first TIS law in 1984. The federal TIS incentive grant program was based on an 85% rule. Archived | Truth in Sentencing and State Sentencing Practices | National Institute of Justice

Impact and Debate:

Increased Incarceration:
TIS has contributed to longer prison sentences and a larger prison population. https://www.restorejustice.org/learn/history-of-sentencing/

Cost Implications:
Increased incarceration rates lead to higher costs for states and the federal government. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/ultimate-guide-truth-in-sentencing-laws

Crime Reduction Debate:
Proponents argue TIS reduces crime by incapacitating offenders for longer periods, while critics point to potential increases in recidivism rates and social costs. Truth in Sentencing: Why States Should Make Violent Criminals Do Their Time | Office of Justice Programs

Racial Disparities:
Some research indicates TIS laws can disproportionately impact minority communities. https://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/rightsviews/2020/02/28/truth-in-sentencing-mass-incarceration-in-the-united-states/