Following recent revelations that Gov. J.B. Pritzker has commuted prison sentences and released violent criminals, including convicted murderers, State Sen. Jil Tracy is joining with several Senate Republican lawmakers to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the Illinois Department of Corrections seeking more information about inmates who have been released. Last Thursday, April 16th Tracy along with eight other senators sent a letter to the Governor expressing concern about violent criminals being released without informing victims or their families. Tracy said, “There is little to no regard for the safety of the citizens of Illinois, or the crime victims and witnesses who will be affected when a convicted felon is being released – ahead of schedule – back into the community.” Legislators made several requests in the letter including a request for a full list of the names of inmates released and that the IDOC publish the list on its website. According to a release from Senator Tracy, since the letter was sent a week ago, their requests have not been fulfilled – thus the FOIA request. The FOIA asks that the list includes first and last name, county of conviction, case number, conviction, sentence, date of release, and reasons for release. The Illinois Department of Corrections has five days to provide a response to the request unless it requests an extension.
