SB1409 Summary

• Amends the Criminal Identification Act to modify expungement and sealing procedures for criminal records, including definitions, timelines, and eligibility requirements.

• Establishes automatic expungement of law enforcement and court records for civil violations under the Cannabis Control Act and Drug Paraphernalia Control Act 180 days after July 29, 2016.

• Creates a pilot program in counties with 3,000,000+ inhabitants waiving petition fees for expungement of arrests resulting in release without charging or acquittals/dismissals, effective until January 1, 2018 or one year after the program's effective date.

• Adds a new criminal offense (Section 17-56) for financial exploitation of elderly persons (60+) or persons with disabilities, with felony penalties ranging from Class 4 to Class 1 based on property value, and creates civil liability for treble damages plus attorney fees.

• Modifies venue provisions in the Criminal Code to allow prosecution of financial exploitation cases in any county where the offense occurred or where the victim resides.