Civil and Human Rights Coalition Urges Illinois State Legislators to Pass Commonsense Justice System Reform

WASHINGTON—The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights today began airing radio ads in Illinois, urging constituents to contact their state legislators to enact commonsense justice system reforms. The ads call for support on House Bill 2373, bipartisan legislation that would remove some of the barriers to re-entry for people with certain arrest or conviction records in Illinois, while also ensuring public safety.

Currently, there are about 4 million people in Illinois who have returned home to their families, jobs, and communities after serving time in prison. Once released, they face a myriad of barriers to successfully re-entering society and rebuilding their lives. By law, many are excluded from essential employment, housing, and education benefits and often lack access to other vital resources and opportunities that are available to those without an arrest or conviction history. For example, a study conducted in New York City demonstrated that a disclosure of an arrest or conviction history of an otherwise qualified applicant can reduce the likelihood of a callback or job offer by nearly 50 percent. 

Because of the historical legacy of racism and the persistence of institutional discrimination within the justice system, a disproportionate number of those with arrest or conviction histories are people of color. The laws in place within Illinois and across this country continue to discriminate against and disenfranchise individuals with certain arrest or conviction records, further marginalizing them from society and denying them opportunity.

H.B. 2373 represents an important step in facilitating a successful reentry process in Illinois by expanding the population that would be eligible to seal certain conviction histories. Under Illinois law, most types of employers are prohibited from inquiring into arrest or conviction records that are already sealed. Other members of the public – such as landlords, educational institutions, and housing authorities – are prohibited from viewing sealed records as well.

Through these critical reforms, H.B. 2373 would enable Illinoisans with certain arrest or conviction records to pursue employment, housing, financial, and educational opportunities without being denied those opportunities solely because of a former offense. Helping these individuals get back to work will be especially important, since studies have demonstrated that employment is the single most important factor in decreasing recidivism. 

The Leadership Conference sent a letter to state legislators urging support for H.B. 2373. That letter is available here.

To listen to an example of the radio ad, click here.

Text of the radio ad running in Illinois:

“Right now, lawmakers in Springfield have the opportunity to ensure that people with arrest or conviction records don’t face unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and education. H.B. 2373 would help give a clean slate to some people who were arrested or convicted and are trying to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. Call your state legislators today at 217-953-4377 and ask them to support H.B. 2373. Again, that’s 217-953-4377 to urge support for H.B. 2373. No one deserves to be continually punished after they’ve done their time. Call your state legislators today, 217-953-4377, and ask them to support H.B. 2373.

“Paid for by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.