Legislation signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner would provide up to four years of college for people who have served time in an Illinois prison due to a wrongful conviction.
Exonerees who have obtained a certificate of innocence from the court, or a pardon based on actual innocence from the Illinois governor, now qualify for tuition grants. Those who didn't graduate from high school can also get grants to pay for GED testing.
State Senator Dan Kotowski, a Democrat from Park Ridge, sponsored the legislation.
“The least we can do for them and their families is to do our best to atone for that mistake, and give them an opportunity to have their lives back by pursuing an education,” Kotowski said.
Only 118 people currently qualify for these grants. Until the state has a budget in place, the money can't be issued.
