SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law that will require the Secretary of State to provide returning residents with an Illinois ID upon receipt of identifying documents the state will assist the individuals in obtaining.

“We are creating pathways for life after incarceration that will put every Illinoisan in a position to thrive,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Offering formerly incarcerated individuals the support and resources they need to reintegrate back into their communities is necessary to reduce recidivism.”

This law requires the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice with an Illinois ID upon receipt of the individual’s birth certificate, social security card, photograph and proof of residency upon discharge. The DOC or DJJ will provide assistance and guidance to individuals in obtaining these documents.

The success of this law is due in thanks to the support of community organizations and advocates for criminal justice reform such as Restore Justice, Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, and the SAFER Foundation.

“Individuals reentering society often face barriers finding housing, employment, medical care, financial planning and social services because of the difficulty of obtaining an ID,” said Preston. “This law ensures everyone receives the support they need to return to their communities.”

House Bill 3345 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

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SPRINGFIELD – Taking a step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and incarcerated individuals, State Senator Willie Preston’s measure addressing indecent exposure in correctional facilities was signed into law on Friday.

"We have to take a stand in our correctional facilities and create policy that prioritizes the safety of staff and inmates,” Preston (D-Chicago). “This law sets a standard in Illinois that we will not tolerate harassment and intimidation by criminalizing these acts of public indecency."

This law amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to create the offense of "lewd sexual display in a penal institution," making it a Class A misdemeanor for incarcerated individuals to expose themselves with the purpose or effect of intimidating, harassing or threatening someone in the presence of such a display. Repeat offenders face more severe penalties, with subsequent violations being considered Class 4 felonies. The provisions will be repealed on Jan. 1, 2028, allowing for thorough review of annual reports provided by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

Brought forth by the Cook County Sherriff’s Office, the measure mirrors penalties for public indecency but changes the penalties given the context and motivation of the crime, excluding facilities of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice and other juvenile detention facilities, as well as individuals under the age of 18 and those suffering from behavioral health issues.

"Those who display the types of behavior outlined in this law will have to adhere to the consequences, but they will also have to undergo evaluation and receive appropriate mental health treatment,” Preston said. “We have to provide access to these resources if our intent is to rehabilitate and prevent repeated offensive behavior.”

House Bill 1399 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect effect Jan. 1, 2024.

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CHICAGO – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by Senator Willie Preston, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of nearly $41 billion in road and bridge improvement projects across the state.

“As an owner and operator of a construction firm, I know how crucial working-class jobs are to building and sustaining our community,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The investments in our roads, transit systems, and pedestrian walkways will not only make our communities safer, but they will generate good-paying jobs for people across the district.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Preston represents will see 13 infrastructure projects totaled at more than $20 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

•  Improvements and modernization to traffic signals, pavement markings, and ADA accessibility to Harlem Avenue
• Pavement repairs on Pulaski Road
• Pavement repairs on Western Avenue

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invest in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“I went to Springfield on a mission to improve the lives of people living in the 16th District,” Preston said. “I am proud to deliver investments to our community’s infrastructure that will help move our economy forward and enhance safety for constituents.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 16th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston championed diversity efforts in the clean energy job sector through House Bill 3702, which was signed into law Friday.

“We have to hold programs accountable for ensuring that they are providing all returning residents with the same opportunities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This law helps us to ensure no specific demographic is being underserved within the returning resident community.”

The Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training provides training to prepare people in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections for entry-level clean energy jobs. House Bill 3702 diversifies the reporting requirements for the Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program requiring the Illinois Office of Equity to report performance metrics according to race, ethnicity, gender, age, and location.

“Having these reporting requirements in place will allow us to see if specific demographics are being underserved and give us the opportunity to come up with solutions to ensure that we are supporting every returning resident,” said Preston. “I am proud to stand behind legislation that supports creating opportunistic environments for our entire state.”

House Bill 3702 was signed into law on Friday.