IL HJR0096

Creates a Joint Criminal Justice Reform Committee to examine the impact of Illinois's current sentencing structure and identify disproportionate effects on racial, ethnic, or minority groups.

Committee consists of 10 General Assembly members: 3 appointed by the Speaker of the House (including one co-chairperson), 3 by the Senate President (including one co-chairperson), 2 by the House Minority Leader, and 2 by the Senate Minority Leader.

Committee shall hold public hearings to receive testimony regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of Illinois's criminal justice system and the impact of current sentencing schemes.

Committee must submit a report to the General Assembly no later than December 1, 2014.

Addresses Illinois's prison overcrowding, 50% recidivism rate, $1.3 billion annual adult imprisonment spending, and $86,861 annual juvenile detention costs as justification for comprehensive criminal justice reform.