SB0019: PRB-ADMIN CHANGES

Legislative Summary

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Makes additional changes to the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that the Attorney General shall conduct an internal review of the witness notification system to review timely notice to victims and witnesses throughout the State and shall make recommendations to the General Assembly for improvements in the procedures and technologies used in the system. Requires the Attorney General to submit the recommendations to the General Assembly on or before July 1, 2026. Further amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a total of 7 members of the Prisoner Review Board must have at least 5 years' experience as a law enforcement officer, parole officer, prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, or judge. Establishes a Director of Victim and Witness Services under the jurisdiction of the Prisoner Review Board. Provides that the Director shall be hired by the Prisoner Review Board. Provides that the Director shall be responsible for ensuring that victims receive appropriate notice and the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement in accordance with the Act. Provides that the Victim and Witness Services Director shall also be responsible for coordinating with other agencies to improve victim notification processes, and identifying ways to better serve victims. Amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. Provides that a petition for an order of protection may be filed: (1) by a crime victim who was abused by an offender prior to the incarceration of the offender in a penal institution and such offender is incarcerated in a penal institution at the time of the filing of the petition; or (2) by any person who has previously suffered abuse by a person convicted of (i) domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery, or any other offense that would constitute domestic violence or (ii) a violent crime, as defined in the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, committed against another person. Provides that a petition for an order of protection may not be denied solely upon the basis that the respondent or petitioner is incarcerated in a penal institution at the time of the filing of the petition. Effective immediately.