IL SB1444

Restores the death penalty in Illinois by eliminating the prior abolition provision and establishes the Capital Crimes Litigation Act of 2019 to govern capital cases.

Creates the Capital Litigation Trust Fund to provide funding for prosecution and defense of capital cases, with appropriations requested by the State Appellate Defender, State's Attorneys, and Attorney General.

Specifies that defendants age 18+ convicted of first degree murder may receive a death sentence only if at least one aggravating factor is found, with the jury requiring unanimous agreement to impose death and the court retaining authority to impose life imprisonment instead.

Provides trial counsel in capital cases with compensation up to $125/hour and ensures access to investigators, expert witnesses, and mitigation specialists through court-approved litigation budgets, with payments from the Capital Litigation Trust Fund.

Exempts defense budgets and compensation petitions for appointed trial counsel in capital cases from Freedom of Information Act disclosure until trial conclusion, protecting attorney work product and defense strategies.