SB 86 creates a fair, case-by-case parole review process for older incarcerated individuals who have served long sentences. This bill does not guarantee release. It allows careful review based on rehabilitation, public safety, and readiness for reintegration.

By signing this petition, you are urging Senator Omar Aquino and the Members of the Illinois General Assembly to support SB 86, move it out of committee, and allow it to be debated and voted on.

Petition Statement

Dear Senator Omar Aquino and Members of the Illinois General Assembly,

We, the undersigned, write in strong support of SB 86, the Elder Parole Bill. We respectfully urge you to support this bill and help move it out of committee and forward for full consideration by the General Assembly.

SB 86 would allow incarcerated individuals who are 60 years of age or older and who have served 25 or more consecutive years to petition the Parole Board for review. This legislation does not guarantee release. It simply provides an opportunity for review based on demonstrated rehabilitation, current risk, and readiness for reintegration.

Currently, Illinois has no parole system for individuals sentenced after 1978 who were over the age of 21 at the time of their offense. As a result, many people serving sentences of 50 years or more face what is effectively a sentence of death by incarceration, regardless of rehabilitation, age, or medical condition.

Research and experience consistently show that elderly incarcerated individuals pose a minimal risk to public safety and have extremely low recidivism rates. Additionally, elderly parole would save Illinois taxpayers millions of dollars in incarceration and medical costs.

We respectfully ask that you support SB 86 and help bring it out of committee so it may be properly debated and considered. This bill reflects fiscal responsibility, public safety, and basic human dignity.

Sincerely,

Concerned Illinois Residents and Supporters of Fair Sentencing.