SB3201: POLICE TRAINING-AUTISM

Legislative Summary

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall develop or approve a course (rather than in-service training programs) to assist law enforcement officers in identifying and appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Modifies what may be included in the instruction in autism-informed responses, procedures, and techniques. Provides that the Board may consult with the Department of Public Health or Department of Human Services to develop and update the curriculum (rather than adopt specified rules in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Police). Requires the Board to, within a reasonable amount of time, update the course, from time to time, to conform with national trends and best practices. Encourages the Board to adopt model policies to assist law enforcement agencies in appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Removes provisions requiring all permanent and part-time law enforcement officers and permanent and part-time corrections officers to complete an autism-informed training program conducted or approved under the provisions within 12 months after it was first offered or approved by the Board and every 24 months thereafter as part of the officer's in-service training. Further amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the minimum in-service training requirements that a law enforcement officer must satisfactorily complete every 3 years includes training relating to autism-informed law enforcement responses, techniques, and procedures. Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Requires the Division of the Academy and Training to provide training for State police officers on the nature of autism spectrum disorders and in identifying and appropriately responding to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Requires the Illinois State Police to review the training curriculum, and allows the Illinois State Police to consult with the Department of Public Health or the Department of Human Services to update the training curriculum as needed. Provides that the training shall be made available to all cadets and State police officers.