IL HB4829

Creates the Independent Corrections Oversight Committee composed of 10 members including 4 legislators (one each appointed by House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate President, and Senate Minority Leader), a physician, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, prisoner advocacy representative, and three formerly incarcerated persons with specified backgrounds.

Committee operates independently from the Department of Corrections with a Director appointed by the Committee who serves a 3-year term and may only be removed for cause; committee members serve 3-year terms and receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses.

Grants committee members unannounced access to all correctional facilities at any time, authority to inspect facilities, obtain documents and data from the Department of Corrections upon demand, and conduct confidential conversations with incarcerated persons and staff without monitoring.

Prohibits Department of Corrections retaliation against staff or incarcerated persons reporting to or cooperating with the Committee; corrections staff reporting wrongdoing receive whistleblower protection.

Committee must hold regular public hearings, publish annual reports with recommendations and complaint summaries, and receives separate funding from the Department of Corrections; Department must publicly respond to Committee recommendations.