In 1998, Illinois passed a “truth in sentencing” law that limits the time a person can earn off their prison sentence. Before 1998, people in prison could earn as much as 50% of time off their sentences through good behavior and participation in programs. This was commonly called “good time.”

“Good time” incentivizes people to participate in restorative programming, which is one of the safest ways to reduce the prison population and prepare people to return home.

HB 3901 would allow people sentenced under “truth in sentencing” to earn more “good time.”  

Eligible people could earn up to 15% more time off of their sentences from what they currently can earn.