IL HB5441

Eliminates the State Appellate Defender's authority to provide trial counsel assistance in capital cases, including legal assistance, expert witnesses, investigators, and mitigation specialists.

Removes authorization for Capital Trial Assistance Unit and Capital Post Conviction Unit investigators to access the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) to check witness criminal backgrounds.

Removes the requirement for State Appellate Defender to request annual appropriations from the Capital Litigation Trust Fund for capital case expenses.

Adds authority for State Appellate Defender to provide training to county public defenders and assist them with expert witnesses and investigators from appropriated funds.

Establishes a Juvenile Defender Resource Center to develop trial-level defender services for juveniles, provide counsel assistance in cases with incarceration or adult sentences, and deliver training on juvenile justice issues.