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041415CM0956 rDear Friend:

It is an honor to represent the people of the 39th Senate District of Illinois and to serve as your Senator.  In the Illinois Senate, I have promoted a progressive agenda advocating for better educational opportunities for our children, greater access to affordable health care, government and ethics reform, and economic opportunity for all.  You can find the legislation I'm working on now, as well as my legislative record on this site.

I also have the responsibility to make certain that the people I represent receive the service they expect and deserve from the State of Illinois.  Should you require assistance with any Illinois state agency, department, or official, please contact my Constituent Service Office at (708) 848-2002.  My staff and I are ready to serve you.

I believe that availability is a hallmark of a good legislator.  I'm proud to report that much of the legislation I've passed has come from suggestions from my constituents.  If you haven't found all the information you're looking for on this site, or if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact me through my website or by calling (708) 848-2002.

Sincerely,

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New Harmon law creates parole option for youthful offenders

Published: Monday, April 01, 2019 12:36 PM

03212019CM0708 rSPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) that will reinstate parole in Illinois for youthful offenders became law today.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed Harmon’s measure allowing offenders who were sentenced for offenses committed under the age of 21 to petition the Prisoner Review Board for parole after serving 20 years for homicide or aggravated criminal assault and 10 years for all other offenses.

“The policy of locking youthful offenders away for decades without meaningful opportunity for release has disproportionately impacted minority communities,” Harmon said. “The facts show that young offenders are extremely unlikely to commit violent crimes again after release. This law will give them a chance to reenter society once they have served the time for their offense.”

Those convicted of predatory criminal assault or sentenced to natural life imprisonment for first degree murder would not be eligible for parole.

Illinois does not currently allow prisoners to petition for parole, but rather implements mandatory supervised release after they have completed their sentence.

House Bill 531 takes effect immediately.

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Email President Harmon

Springfield Office:
309-G Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(p) 217.782.8176

Oak Park Office:
6941 W. North Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(p) 708.848.2002
 

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