IL SB3144

Establishes the Task Force on Counsel in Immigration Proceedings consisting of 7 members including the Governor, Attorney General, legislative leaders, and Secretary of Human Services to investigate implementation of universal legal representation for individuals in immigration removal proceedings.

Directs the Task Force to assess the number of covered individuals facing immigration proceedings, current legal representation infrastructure, additional resources and funding needed, and the feasibility of a state-sponsored bond fund, with findings due by July 1, 2023.

Defines "covered individuals" as those subject to federal removal proceedings who are either Illinois domiciliaries or facing proceedings conducted in the state, and "covered proceedings" to include immigration court hearings, credible fear interviews, habeas corpus petitions, and related appeals.

Establishes the public policy that covered individuals should have the right to ongoing legal representation funded with sufficient resources for attorneys, support staff, interpreters, expert witnesses, and social service providers during removal proceedings.

Repeals entirely on July 1, 2024, making this a temporary measure focused on the Task Force's investigative and reporting functions.