Families of Illinois prison inmates and legal advocacy groups are speaking out against a new Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) policy that restricts incarcerated individuals’ access to physical mail.

Under emergency rules launched in August, most personal mail sent to state prisoners — including letters, photographs, and drawings — is being scanned into digital images. Inmates can only view the electronic copies on tablets issued by the department. Legal mail from attorneys is supposed to be exempt.

IDOC says the change is aimed at reducing the flow of drugs and other contraband into correctional facilities. The department points to reports from correctional staff of synthetic drugs and chemically altered paper making their way in through the mail system.

But critics argue the program lacks evidence to support its effectiveness and instead punishes inmates and their families by severing an important emotional connection.

Advocates also warn of possible legal issues, including First Amendment concerns for both incarcerated people and their loved ones writing to them.

Public pushback has already reached state lawmakers. The General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules formally objected to the emergency rule in September, signaling that IDOC will need to make changes before moving forward with permanent adoption.

IDOC is currently accepting public comments on the proposal while the emergency rules remain in effect through January. The committee is expected to review the policy again later this month.