IL HB5966

Changes the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act to make victim impact statements mandatory upon request at sentencing hearings for violent crimes, replacing discretionary language with "shall be permitted."

Requires victim impact statements to be prepared in writing in conjunction with the State's Attorney prior to sentencing before they can be presented orally or in writing at the hearing.

Adds new provisions allowing victims to present impact statements at commitment hearings for defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity of violent crimes, with court discretion to limit the number of oral presentations.

Permits victim impact statements to be presented by the victim, their representative, or immediate family members including spouse, guardian, parent, grandparent, or household members.

Extends victim impact statement rights to juveniles adjudicated delinquent for violent crimes during dispositional hearings under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.