HB0025 Summary: Right to Counsel in Immigration Proceedings Act

• Establishes policy that all covered individuals facing immigration removal proceedings in Illinois should have the right to ongoing legal representation, with sufficient state funding for legal services providers.

• Defines "covered individuals" as those subject to federal removal proceedings who are either Illinois domiciliaries or individuals whose removal proceedings are conducted in Illinois, regardless of age.

• Creates a Task Force on Counsel in Immigration Proceedings consisting of 7 members including the Governor, legislative leaders, Attorney General, and Secretary of Human Services to investigate and report on implementing universal representation by July 1, 2022.

• Task Force must examine the estimated number of covered individuals, current legal service infrastructure, additional resources needed, estimated annual costs, available funding sources, and feasibility of a state-sponsored bond fund.

• Act repeals on July 1, 2023, and takes effect upon becoming law.