IL SB1882

Creates the Criminal Justice Special Advocates Program for People with Disabilities Act, establishing a 3-year pilot program in 5 geographically diverse counties across Illinois

Requires the Department of Human Services to provide at least one criminal justice special advocate per selected county to assist individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities navigating the criminal justice system

Criminal justice special advocates must be non-attorneys with experience working with people with disabilities, preferably with backgrounds in social work or counseling, and must be independent of county officials directly involved in criminal justice

Advocates will help individuals and their families understand legal processes, advocate for accommodations, coordinate with prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and courts, and provide referrals to mental health and disability services

Department must collect annual data from participating counties beginning in 2027 and report to the General Assembly and Governor after the second full year with recommendations on whether to continue, expand, or discontinue the program