IL SB2557

Chief judges of circuits may permit defendants held in state or local custody to appear by two-way audio-visual communication (closed circuit television or video conference) instead of in person for specified proceedings.

Permitted remote appearances include initial appearances with bail setting, preliminary hearing waivers, arraignments, jury waivers, status hearings, and certain Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act hearings with no witness testimony.

Adds sentencing hearings as a permitted remote appearance proceeding for defendants serving sentences for other offenses who have agreed to enter a negotiated plea.

Two-way audio-visual systems must provide secure communication between the court and place of custody, including a secure line for the defendant and counsel to communicate privately.

Does not create a right for defendants to appear remotely or require governmental entities to provide video conference technology; other court appearances may occur remotely only with defendant's waiver of physical presence rights.