Kendall County Times

Illinois state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel's (D-Shorewood) Senate Bill 1566, which allows courts to take into consideration a prison sentence length for expecting mothers or current moms, has passed the Illinois Senate. 

The goal of SB 1566 is to help "discourage further disruption to families" for children and mothers looking to go to prison, a release from Loughran Cappel's office said.

"Last week, I advanced legislation that will hopefully lead to increased consideration for the well-being of children when sentencing mothers to jail time," Loughran Cappel said in an April 27 Facebook post. "It's no secret that a mother's absence can have devastating effects on the development of young children. Stunting their growth because of the poor decisions of a parent is irresponsible."

The legislation amends the Unified Code of Corrections by causing for review "circumstances to be considered in assessing this factor in mitigation include: (1) the likelihood that the child will be adjudged a dependent minor and declared a ward of the court under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987; and (2) the best interest of the child," the bills language states.

The bill also brought fourth discussions from the Senate Women's Caucus and First Lady M.K. Pritzker, the release said. 

SB 1566 will now move forward to the House for further consideration and to be voted on.