State Legislation
(IL) Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (Public Act 093-0207)
Allows the Illinois Prison Review Board or a court to issue a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities to anyone convicted of a nonviolent offense, provided he or she has not been convicted of a felony more than once. The Certificate restores the individual's eligibility for professional licenses in 15 occupational fields that have automatic disqualification based on a previous conviction. The legislation promotes the granting of certificates when their issuance is "consistent with the rehabilitation of the eligible offender" and "with the public interest." In addition, the statute requires the occupational licensing agencies to consider eight factors when determining if there is a direct relationship between the previous conviction and the license being sought or if issuing the license would pose an unreasonable risk to people and property.Learn more at
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?name=093-0207
Our Publications
How and Why Medicaid Matters for People with Serious Mental Illness Released from Jail
Hundreds of thousands of people with mental illness are released from jail each year. Without continuity of care, they are likely to be reincarcerated. Enrollment in Medicaid increases access to treatment for people with mental illness released from jail, who typically lack other means to pay for those services.