Tony M. McCombie, Illinois State Representative from the 89th District | www.ilga.gov
Tony M. McCombie, Illinois State Representative from the 89th District | www.ilga.gov
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has announced her support for House Bill 50, a measure sponsored by State Representative David Friess aimed at improving safety for Department of Corrections (DOC) workers by increasing control over inmate mail.
The proposed legislation would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to electronically scan and process all incoming mail. The use of drug-interdiction technology is intended to prevent contraband from entering state prisons. Under HB50, scanned mail would be accessible only through secure kiosks and tablets, while physical mail would either be stored or destroyed according to department policy. The bill is set to take effect immediately if passed.
“Keeping drugs out of our prisons keeps staff and inmates safe, period,” McCombie said. “I’m proud to stand with Rep. Friess and DOC leaders who recognize the urgent need to act. Their hard work and the input of frontline staff, including many from Thomson Federal Penitentiary, have been critical to shaping this solution.”
While HB50 does not apply directly to federal facilities such as Thomson Federal Penitentiary, McCombie noted that feedback from Thomson staff played a role in developing the policy and strengthening protections at the state level.
The Illinois Department of Corrections has already enacted emergency rules aligned with the objectives of HB50. These measures are designed to protect “the safety and security of committed persons, staff, and the public.” The emergency rules will remain in place for up to 150 days while they are reviewed by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for possible permanent adoption.
“IDOC’s emergency action is the right move, and I will work to ensure these protections are written into permanent law,” McCombie added.
Additional background on this issue can be found at Capitol News Illinois: https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/under-emergency-rule-illinois-prisons-begin-withholding-physical-mail/.
McCombie was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 89th House District in 2023, succeeding Andrew Chesney.
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