Springfield, IL (WAND) – A new Illinois law is ensuring people in the Department of Corrections are not charged unreasonable fees for sending mail.

The law states committed people and their correspondents can not be charged any fee for mail and scanning services exceeding the standard postage rate.

Sponsors said it’s important that families stay connected with their loved ones, and the state should not make that process harder.

“Basically, we’re just codifying into law the current practice of IDOC, which is just to charge the market rate of a stamp,” said Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan). “So if a stamp is 25 cents on the outside, it’s 25 cents on the inside.”

IDOC is now banned from generating revenue from communication between families and loved ones. The law also requires annual reporting on rates paid for mail and how the department spends that money.

“Mail correspondence is a vital and often cost-effective lifeline,” said Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). “When families already spend thousands just to stay in touch with an incarcerated loved one, they shouldn’t face yet another cost barrier to staying connected.” 

House Bill 4235 took effect Friday.