Press Release

Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM releases statement following passage of medical release bill in Illinois House

SPRINGFIELD — FAMM General Counsel Mary Price released the following statement following the Illinois House of Representatives passing a medical release bill.

“This bipartisan vote represents a great step forward,” Price said. “Incarcerating thousands of people who pose no public safety risk wastes millions, and does nothing to improve public safety. We urge the Senate to pass this bill and bring this smart, humane program into reality. It can bring relief to so many in Illinois.”

Previously, Price submitted testimony to the Illinois House Judiciary-Criminal Committee in support of a medical release bill providing for early release for medical incapacity or terminal illness.

Price is the author of Everywhere and Nowhere: Compassionate Release in the States (June 2018), based on 51 memos describing current state policies; Illinois is available here.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.