HB 6698: Grand Jury Reform

• Replaces panel of three judges with a single presiding judge to approve investigatory grand jury applications, streamlining the approval process for investigations into specified crimes.

• Changes standard for approval from "reasonable belief" that investigation will lead to probable cause to "interests of justice require" use of an investigatory grand jury, with emphasis on ability to compel witness testimony and evidence production.

• Extends maximum initial investigation period from six months to twelve months and limits extensions to two additional six-month periods (previously six months total).

• Establishes new witness protections including mandatory advance notification of subpoena, written notice of target status, right to counsel, and approval by the investigatory grand jury before Chief State's Attorney or state's attorney can issue subpoenas.

• Adds "target" definition as a person reasonably suspected of committing the crime(s) under investigation and requires attorneys conducting investigations to disclose exculpatory information to the grand jury regarding targets.

• Effective date: October 1, 2013.