SB 2340

Abstract

Creates the Privacy of Adult Victims of Criminal Sexual Offenses Act. Defines "adult victim" and "criminal history record information." Provides that notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, inspection and copying of law enforcement records maintained by any law enforcement agency or all circuit court records maintained by any circuit clerk relating to any investigation or proceeding pertaining to a criminal sexual offense, by any person not exempted by this Act, shall be restricted to exclude the identity of the adult victim without a court order. Provides that when a criminal sexual offense is committed or alleged to have been committed by a school district employee or any individual contractually employed by a school district, a copy of the criminal history record information relating to the investigation of the offense or alleged offense shall be transmitted to the superintendent of schools if certain conditions are met. Makes other changes. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as introduced, with the following change: Clarifies language related to restricting the identity of victims of criminal sexual offenses or alleged criminal sexual offenses by providing that such identity shall be restricted unless a court order is issued authorizing the removal of such restriction of a particular case record or particular records of cases maintained by any circuit court clerk. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as engrossed, with the following changes: Provides that an advocate and victim's attorney may be exempt from a requirement to exclude a victim's identity in certain records, and removes "parent" from the list of exempt individuals. Provides that a court may for the adult victim's protection and for good cause shown, prohibit any person or agency present in court from further disclosing the adult victim's identity. Provides that a court may prohibit such disclosure only after giving notice and a hearing to all affected parties. Provides that in determining whether to prohibit disclosure of the adult victim's identity the court shall consider: (a) the best interest of the adult victim; and (b) whether such nondisclosure would further a compelling State interest. Provides that the copy of the criminal history record information that is to be provided under a provision concerning criminal sexual offense and school districts shall exclude the identity of the adult victim. Provides that the superintendent shall be restricted from revealing the identity of the adult victim. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that the Attorney General and Assistant Attorneys General may be exempt from a requirement to exclude a victim's identity in certain records.