Prison Policy Initiative Challenges Illinois Plan to Scan All Inmate mail
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Prison Policy Initiative (PPI) is actively opposing a proposed rule by the illinois department of Corrections (IDOC) to scan all incoming physical mail to state prisons, arguing the policy will harm incarcerated individuals’ mental health and has proven ineffective in preventing contraband.PPI submitted public comments during the 45-day First Notice Period, which concludes November 24, 2025, urging IDOC to reconsider the plan and rather follow the lead of states like Nevada in recognizing the importance of physical mail.
The proposed rule comes despite evidence from other states demonstrating that mail scanning does not curb drug use and can negatively impact the well-being of those incarcerated. In Missouri,overdose rates in prisons increased after the implementation of a strict new mail policy.Pennsylvania saw positive drug tests nearly triple in the five years following the introduction of mail scanning. PPI emphasizes that contact with family, particularly through letters, is crucial for the mental health of incarcerated individuals, a concern heightened by the IDOC’s “repeatedly failed” mental health care services, as noted by the Uplift Legal Chicago.
“stripping access to physical mail further imperils thousands of people incarcerated in Illinois,” PPI stated in its public comment. The organization points to research highlighting the essential role of family contact in supporting incarcerated individuals, their children, and communities.
Individuals can submit written comments to DOC.ProposedRulemaking@illinois.gov and JCAR staff at jcar@ilga.gov. PPI’s full public comment is available here: [https://www.prisonpolicy.org/scans/IDOC Mail Scanning_PubCom.pdf](https://www.prisonpolicy.org/scans/IDOC Mail Scanning_PubCom.pdf).
