HB 2767

Abstract

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Department of Juvenile Justice Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsman also shall be ombudsman for county-operated juvenile detention centers. Provides that the Ombudsman shall secure the rights of youth committed to county-operated juvenile detention centers. Provides that, with respect to county-operated juvenile detention centers, the Ombudsman shall report to a local commission concerning: (1) the work of the Ombudsman; (2) the status of any review or investigation undertaken by the Ombudsman; and (3) any recommendations that the Ombudsman has relating to a systemic issue in the Department of Juvenile Justice's or a county-operated juvenile detention center's provision of services and any other matters for consideration by the General Assembly and the Governor. Also provides for the reporting of this information with respect to county-operated juvenile detention centers, to the chief judge of the applicable judicial circuit and shall make the data publicly available. Provides that the commission shall be established by ordinance of the county board of the county in which the county-operated juvenile detention center is located, and, at a minimum, shall include the chief judge, the State's Attorney, the Public Defender, a correctional administrator, and an advocate for justice system impacted families and individuals. Provides that, to the extent that any county-operated juvenile detention center provides services to counties beyond the one in which it is located, the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman shall also provide a copy of the data to the county boards of the counties served by the county-operated juvenile detention center. House Floor Amendment No. 1 In provisions concerning the reporting of data by the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman, provides that the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman shall report the data to the chief judge of the applicable judicial circuit and the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (instead of just to the chief judge of the appliable judicial circuit). Defines "county-operated juvenile detention center" to include a facility that detains youth in the juvenile justice system that is specifically designated to detain or incarcerate youth. Provides that "county-operated juvenile detention center" does not include police or other temporary law enforcement holding locations. Adds a January 1, 2025 effective date to the bill.