SJR 74

Abstract

Directs the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission to study and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on finding cost-effective alternatives to requiring the physical appearance of juveniles at every court appearance, which may include the use of audio-visual communication, waiver of appearance, or alternate hearing schedules. Provides that the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission, in consultation with the Department of Juvenile Justice, shall utilize available information and research on best practices within the State and across the nation, shall analyze current funding for juvenile detention facilities, and shall work with local judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement in finding alternatives to the current practices of transporting juveniles among courthouses, county jails, regional juvenile detention centers and state facilities while ensuring that juveniles continue to have access to counsel and upholding the constitutional and legal rights of all juveniles involved in the justice system. Provides that local judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, public defenders, and law enforcement are encouraged to participate in this study and to also begin a conversation of their own on ways of lessening the need for juveniles to appear in person at every court appearance. Provides that the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission shall submit a report by March 1, 2015 to the Governor and General Assembly with its recommendations and suggested statutory changes.