Bill passes both chambers of Illinois General Assembly to let Illinois inmates within a year or two of death early release

Posted on May 27, 2021
State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) says there are some things supporters may not have considered. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The opportunity to say goodbye – surrounded by loved ones – could soon be extended to people who otherwise would be in prison. 

A bill, which has passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, was inspired by the story of Joe Coleman, a Vietnam veteran who died in prison despite his family’s efforts to get him home for his final days.

“I don’t want another Joe Coleman,” said sponsoring State Sen. John Connor (D-Lockport).

State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) says in her time employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections, she saw countless doctors inaccurately predict how much time someone had left, adding it happened to her own father-in-law. He lived nine years after a mining accident, despite doctors’ ten proclamations the end was near.

HB 3665 has passed the Senate, 34-17-1, and awaits the governor’s action.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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