SB3501 Summary

• Expands Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission from 8 to 9 members by adding one representative of victims of violent crime.

• Changes Director appointment from internal Commission employment to Governor appointment with Senate advice and consent, requiring at least 5 years of criminal law practice experience.

• Requires Commission (not just Director) to use all due diligence notifying torture victims at least 30 days before proceedings, or by publication no later than 20 days prior if victim cannot be located.

• Mandates Commission certification in court filings that all victim identification, location, and notification procedures were followed; allows trial judges to return cases to Commission for rehearing if victims were improperly notified.

• Permits victims to appeal Commission findings to Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge if Commission failed to follow established victim notification rules and procedures.