Rep. Martha Deuter supports HB1810 to improve access for incarcerated individuals with disabilities
Rep. Martha Deuter (D-45th) supported HB1810, a measure focused on expanding access to education and employment for incarcerated individuals with disabilities, during the 104th General Assembly’s session on May 31, 2026, the Illinois House reports; the bill cleared the House in an 80-36 vote.
The bill’s official summary describes it as: "INCARCERATED-DISABILITIES."
The following summary is based on the official bill text and may include clarifications to explain the bill’s components.
The Equitable Access to Education, Employment, and Training for Incarcerated Individuals with Disabilities Act is designed to promote equal participation in work, education, and vocational programs for incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The legislation calls for waivers of the Test of Adult Basic Education and similar exams for these individuals, enabling access to programs that offer earned sentence credit. It also requires Department of Corrections staff to receive annual training focused on supporting people with disabilities and developing alternative assessments. Compliance with federal disability statutes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, is emphasized. The law further allows affected individuals to file grievances when denied accommodations or program access. The Act goes into effect immediately once enacted.
The recorded action for HB1810 was 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs'.
Deuter earned a BSW from Ohio University in 1995.
She is a Democrat who joined the Illinois State House in 2025, representing the 45th House District after succeeding Jenn Ladisch Douglass.
Illinois bills proceed through a multi-step legislative process involving introduction in the House or Senate, committee evaluation, floor debates, and full chamber votes. Legislation is then sent to the governor for signature or veto. The General Assembly follows a biennial calendar, with thousands of bills presented every session, though only a portion advance to become law.