Record-sealing bill HB2373 goes to the governor

Updated May 30, 2017

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) advocates reentry measures that would limit the barrier to jobs, housing and higher education that are triggered by a criminal background check.

A bill to expand record-sealing for most felonies, House Bill 2373, is being sent to the governor for consideration after passing the Illinois Senate with bi-partisan support (36-19) on May 30.

State Rep. Camille Lilly and State Sen. Don Harmon (both D-Oak Park) sponsor the measure. It passed the Illinois House, 80-34, on April 27. 

Currently, only nine felonies are eligible for sealing three years after sentencing. The sealing exception would be convictions related to domestic violence, sex crimes, animal abuse, or driving under the influence.

HB 2373 would offer relief to people in reentry who face years of discrimination because of an old record.

FACT SHEET for House Bill 2373

The Reentry Project at CCH advocates with the Restoring Rights and Opportunities Coalition of Illinois (RROCI). The coalition was organized in 2015 by CCH, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, Community Renewal Society, and Heartland Alliance. RROCI advocates policies that remove barriers for ex-offenders in reentry, including lifetime employment bans.

RROCI worked this spring with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on a second bill: We’re advocating for legislation that would prohibit colleges and universities from asking about or considering a person’s criminal record to decide admissions.

Prepping slips to talk to legislators for HB2373 (Photo by Rachel Ramirez)

House Bill 3142 would provide opportunities for ex-offenders to apply for and be admitted for higher education, without fear of facing discrimination and barriers. The bill is now being considered in the Senate, after passing out of the House, 65-49, on April 5. State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) sponsors the measure.

FACT SHEET for House Bill 3142

During 2016, RROCI successfully advocated for four jobs bills that boost employment opportunities for returning citizens at schools, park districts, and healthcare facilities.

After the job bills were signed last summer, RROCI surveyed 350 men and women with records, asking them to identify their biggest challenges. An overwhelming majority agreed that background checks prove a never-ending barrier when trying to rebuild their lives, spurring the coalition to propose HB2373.

CCH advocates for reentry measures at the local and state level with its Reentry Project committee. The group is comprised of ex-offenders, service providers, advocates, and academics. The reentry staff includes Senior Organizer Rachel Ramirez, Policy Director Julie Dworkin, and myself.

– Jonathan Holmes, Policy Specialist