Access Living friends and allies,
We are thrilled to share that HB2387 —the Eddie Thomas Act— has officially passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly!
Starting January 2026, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will begin collecting and reporting data on its use of hospice and end-of-life care. While this may sound simple, it’s a critical first step towards ensuring dignity for incarcerated people, particularly those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. People who require hospice and end-of-life care typically tend to be people with disabilities by that point in their lives.
Why This Matters for Disability Justice:
Disabled people are disproportionately represented in prisons. Many live with serious illnesses or terminal conditions that require humane, specialized care. Yet, IDOC does not currently operate a uniform hospice program across its facilities. The Eddie Thomas Act starts the process towards transparency and accountability by shining a light on what services currently exist and where there are opportunities for improvement.
This legislation doesn’t solve everything . It’s a primer bill, a foundation for a longer term vision of a consistent statewide hospice program within IDOC facilities. That vision is critical for the lives of disabled incarcerated people. That work starts now, and we want you to be a part of it. Here’s how.
Celebrate this win. HB2397 passed against significant odds and your advocacy made this possible.
Join us in the next phase of this campaign to ensure every incarcerated person has access to dignified end-of-life care, no matter where they are, or what they did.
E-mail Yosef Moore, our Diversion and Reentry Policy Analyst at ymoore@accessliving.org if you’re ready to help draft, organize, and advocate for the next piece of this legislative work.
Let this victory fuel our fight forward. Together, we’re building systems rooted in care, transparency, and justice for all people with disabilities.