Criminal Justice

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall convene a special task force to study and propose recommendations regarding ADA requirements in correctional institutions and facilities for aging committed persons with life sentences. Provides that the task force shall be composed of no more than 22 members appointed by the Director of Corrections. Provides that the Director of Corrections shall, in appointing the task force, attempt to ensure that the membership on the task force represents the geographic diversity of the State. Provides that members of the task force shall serve without compensation and may not receive reimbursement for any expenses incurred in performing their duties as members of the task force. Provides that the task force shall study and make recommendations regarding the following topics: (1) the number of individuals in correctional institutions and facilities who have disabilities, including sight, hearing, and mobility issues; (2) how the population in paragraph (1) are being accommodated; (3) how many committed persons are not having their needs met; and (4) what areas, as it relates to ADA accessibility, correctional institutions and facilities that are unable to provide adequate accommodations and care for aging committed persons with disabilities. Provides that the task force must submit its recommendations as to any changes in the ADA standards for correctional institutions and facilities to the General Assembly on or before July 1, 2026.

Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall publish on its official public website and provide to registered victims information regarding how to submit a victim impact statement. Provides that the Prisoner Review Board shall consider victim impact statements from any registered victims. Provides that any registered victim, including a person who has had a final, plenary, non-emergency, or emergency order of protection granted under the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 or under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, may present victim statements that the Prisoner Review Board shall consider in its deliberations. Provides that all victim statements shall be redacted from any transcripts or recordings of hearings that are provided to anyone other than Board members and the petitioner or parole candidate. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that each member and commissioner of the Prisoner Review Board shall be required to complete a training course developed and administered in consultation with the Department of Corrections. Provides that the training shall be provided to new members and commissioners of the Prisoner Review Board within 30 days of the start of their service and before they take part in any hearings. Establishes the requirements of that training. Establishes a Director of Victim and Witness Services under the jurisdiction of the Prisoner Review Board. Creates the Survivor Safety and Support Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that the Fund shall be used to support survivors who have been found to be a party of an ongoing criminal or civil case against a petitioner or parole candidate or are registered victims through the Prisoner Review Board or Department of Corrections. Provides that before the Board makes a decision on whether to revoke an offender's parole or mandatory supervised release, the Prisoner Review Board must run a LEADS report. Amends the State Finance Act and the Illinois Pension Code to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that all institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections shall permit every committed person to receive the original, physical copy of any mail addressed to the committed person that the committed person is entitled and allowed to receive. Provides that any exceptions to the requirements of this provision must be based on evidence that complying with the requirements of this provision present a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the correctional employees or committed persons in the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must include evidence of contraband being sent through the mail, data on the number of mail items containing contraband, test results of mail tested due to suspicion of mail containing drugs, data on where inside a correctional institution or facility contraband has been found, and the method of entry of contraband into the correctional institution or facility. Provides that the evidence must be made available to the public upon request. Provides that no committed person shall be denied, or have communications limited, with an outside support person, whether by phone, mail, video, or in person visitation, as a result of a disciplinary sanction or grade level of the infraction. Provides that committed persons may contact outside supports via phone, mail, or electronic message free of charge. Defines "original, physical copy".