Rep. Patrick Windhorst | repwindhorst.com
Rep. Patrick Windhorst | repwindhorst.com
Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) had questions about The Joe Coleman Medical Release Act, a measure that would allow the early release of terminally ill or medically incapacitated inmates.
He made sure to get clarifications if there would be reviews in place after the inmate has been released, specifically if there has been a change in the medical condition. Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicgo) told him that the bill pertains to individuals who are extremely sick and who would be on mandatory supervised released.
“I appreciate that,” Windhorst said. “I appreciate what’s behind the bill. I wish there were more safeguards, but I appreciate what you’ve done in this bill.”
The bill would amend the Unified Code of Corrections which would provide “that the Prisoner Review Board may grant a person committed to the Department of Corrections early release for medical incapacity or terminal illness.”
HB 3665 passed the House floor on a 75-38 vote.
Joe Coleman was a Vietnam veteran with four Purple Heart medals, but was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of a robbery in 1981, the Chicago Appleseed reported.
Coleman died due to terminal cancer at 81 without having the opportunity to be given medical care outside of prison.
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