Illinois Lawmakers Aim to Change "Offender" to "Justice-Impacted Individual

Illinois Democratic lawmakers are proposing a bill that would change the word "offender" to "justice-impacted individual" in state law. The bill's proponents argue that the new term is more accurate and respectful of those who have committed crimes, while critics question the necessity of the change and its potential cost.

Illinois Democratic lawmakers are pushing forward a bill that would replace the term "offender" with "justice-impacted individual" in state law. House Bill 4409, sponsored by Democratic State Reps. Kelly M. Cassidy and Lindsey LaPointe, would amend the Illinois Crime Reduction Act of 2009 to make this change, among others.

Proponents of the bill argue that the term "offender" is outdated and stigmatizing, painting a negative picture of those who have entered into criminal activity. They believe that the new term, "justice-impacted individual," is more accurate and respectful, emphasizing the fact that these individuals have interacted with the justice system but may not necessarily identify solely as criminals.

However, critics of the bill question the necessity of such a change. Republican State Sen. Terri Bryant has expressed concern over the potential cost of implementing the new term across various state agencies, as it would require changes to countless documents. She argues that the focus should be on addressing the underlying issues that contribute to crime, rather than on changing the language used to describe those involved in criminal activity.

The bill also aims to address other aspects of the criminal justice system. It would add members to the Adult Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board from the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Illinois Department of Human Services, and the Sangamon and Cook County Adult Probation departments. It would also include two members with personal experience with the Adult Redeploy Illinois system.

State Sen. Robert Peters, another sponsor of the bill, emphasizes the importance of these additions to the board. He believes that diversifying the board will enable it to better address challenges within the Adult Redeploy Illinois system and promote equity and effectiveness.

The bill passed the Illinois State Senate on Tuesday and is currently awaiting Governor J.B. Pritzker's signature to become law. The governor has not yet indicated whether he intends to sign the bill or veto it.

The debate over the use of the term "offender" highlights the ongoing efforts to address criminal justice reform in Illinois. While some argue that changing the language used can help reduce stigma and promote rehabilitation, others believe that the focus should remain on addressing the root causes of crime. The outcome of this bill will provide insight into the direction that Illinois will take in its approach to criminal justice.