IL HB5396

Amends Illinois Unified Code of Corrections to expand medical release procedures for incarcerated individuals with terminal illness, severe medical incapacity, or conditions resulting in medical incapacity within 6 months.

Allows applications for medical release to be filed by the petitioner, prison officials, medical professionals, or specified family members; applications need not be notarized and can be submitted by email or facsimile.

Requires Prisoner Review Board to conduct public hearings (unless petitioner requests non-public) within 90 days of application, with three-member panels making decisions by simple majority vote during the public hearing.

Mandates Board publish detailed annual reports on applications, approvals, denials, and outcomes, including demographic data, medical conditions, hearing types, and information on individuals experiencing delays in release.

Requires Board to publish written decision letters explaining reasons for denying eligible petitioners' applications, including analysis of statutory factors and estimated annual cost of continued incarceration; applies retroactively to all currently incarcerated individuals in Illinois.