Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation ensuring that people released from prison receive a valid state identification card before departing.
The Republican said Thursday the measure will reduce recidivism. He says offenders will face fewer problems re-integrating into society when they get out of the Departments of Corrections or Juvenile Justice.
Rauner was joined by Democratic Secretary of State Jesse White and sponsors of the legislation including Sen. Kwame Raoul, a Chicago Democrat, St. Charles Republican Sen. Karen McConnaughay and Democratic Chicago Rep. La Shawn Ford.
The law requires the secretary of state's office to issue a standard Illinois ID card to ex-inmates at the time of release. The inmate must present a birth certificate, Social Security card or other documents.
