SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WEEK) — An Illinois state senator wants to end of practice of requiring inmates to repay the costs of their incarcerations.

State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) introduced Senate Bill 1158, which would strike the requirement for recently released inmates to reimburse the Illinois Department of Corrections for costs incurred during their prison stay.

“It’s ridiculous that a provision like this even exists in the first place,” Peters said. “These people already have a major burden placed on them by the criminal justice system. It’s unconscionable that there’s an additional financial burden placed on them once they’re finally released, and only makes a return to a life of crime more likely.”

The law passed through committee, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.