2026 Impact
Public Act 104-0483 protects people who are incarcerated and their families from additional fees to send and receive mail. The law prohibits the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) from generating revenue from communication between people who are incarcerated and their families, preventing new financial barriers that could undermine family connections. In September 2025, the IDOC switched to mail scanning. In other states, mail scanning has created new costs for people who are incarcerated and their loved ones. This law ensures that the same does not occur in Illinois.
It requires annual reports from the IDOC on communication contract spending and rates to create transparency, and it ensures postage stamps and mailing supplies are sold at cost in the commissary. This law will help people who are incarcerated to stay connected with their families, which can greatly improve rehabilitation efforts and reduce the chance of recidivism. Additionally, it will prevent families from experiencing increased financial strain while they maintain contact with their loved ones.