HB 1237

Abstract

Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Officer Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that the curriculum established by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board shall include training in techniques designed to promote effective communication with crime victims and ways to comprehensively explain to victims and witnesses their rights under the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act and the Violent Crime Victim's Assistance Act. Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Creates the Office of the Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Officer. Provides that the Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Officer shall be appointed by the Governor from a list of at least 3 persons, prepared and submitted by the Violent Crimes Advisory Commission, to serve a 3-year term at the pleasure of the Governor. Establishes the duties of the Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Officer. Provides that any person who willfully or maliciously commits a violation of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. Provides that such action may only be pursued by the Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Officer. Provides that if after the Crime Victims' Rights Compliance Officer receives and investigates a complaint of a violation of the Act and concludes that a willful and malicious violation has occurred, he or she shall generate a report detailing his or her findings of fact, conclusions as to the specific legal violations, and recommended sanctions. Establishes court procedures for pursuing the sanctions.