SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura, a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, announced her support of House Bill 3288, which includes portions of her previous bill, House Bill 5396, to address Prisoner Review Board transparency and changes to the structure and procedures of the board.HB 3288 was sponsored by Senate President Don Harmon, who thanked Ventura and her interns for their work on this bill in the Senate Executive Committee.

“Essential changes are needed to enhance the fairness and transparency of Illinois’ medical release procedures,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Our actions must reflect our values; we are sending a clear message that as a body our belief in justice is inclusive of compassion, rehabilitation, as well as fiscally responsible.”

House Bill 3288 mandates annual training on the correctional system, rehabilitative corrections and programming, and domestic violence and requires IDOC and CMS to provide for the conduct of hearings through interactive video conference to ensure full transparency of the board.

Additionally, the board will provide disciplinary records and records of participation in programming and education within 60 days of hearings and medical records and evaluations upon approving a petitioner for a medical release hearing.

“The changes made to the board will move towards a more professional board that will benefit taxpayers, families of those affected and the over-encompassing incarceration system in our state,” said Ventura. “Major overhauls were needed to make the Prisoner Review Board more effective, transparent and fair.”

House Bill 3288 passed the Senate on Monday.