Pritzker signs Loughran Cappel’s bill on consideration in sentencing mothers

Meg Loughran Cappel’s bill to give additional consideration for mothers being sentenced was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker last week.

Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, pushed for the bill to discourage disruption of families caused by a parent’s incarceration, according to a news release. The new law creates a weighing factor for courts to consider when determining the imprisonment time of pregnant women or women with young children.

“Making the choice to deprive a child of a mother’s love and support because of one mistake is irresponsible,” Loughran Cappel said in a statement. “Compassion ought to be a guiding light when making decisions that can alter a child’s entire life.”

Loughran Cappel said her bill came about after discussions with the Senate Women’s Caucus and Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker.