summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that it is a mitigating factor in sentencing that the defendant is convicted of a felony and is a combat veteran who is a qualified service-disabled veteran who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Amends the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act. Provides that if a combat veteran who is a resident of Illinois is a qualified service-disabled veteran and is believed to have committed an offense or is in need of assistance as a result of a suspected incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, a peace officer or an ambulance service shall transport the veteran to a Department of Veterans Affairs' hospital to be evaluated by a physician, psychiatrist, or clinical psychologist, or other medical professional that the hospital deems qualified to determine whether the veteran is a danger to himself, herself, herself, or others. Provides that if it is determined by the hospital staff who evaluated the veteran that the veteran is not a danger to himself or others, the person shall be released unless that person is subject to law enforcement agency custody for commission of an offense that requires pretrial detention under the Pretrial Release Article of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. If the veteran requires detention, the veteran shall be released to law enforcement agency custody. Provides that if a combat veteran who is a qualified service-disabled veteran is charged with a criminal offense, the case shall be tried by a veterans and servicemembers court located in the veteran's county of residence, or if the veteran's county of residence does not have a veterans and servicemembers court located in that county, the case shall be tried in a veterans and servicemembers court located in the nearest county of the veteran's residence.
AI Summary
This bill amends two Illinois laws to provide additional support and considerations for combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First, the bill adds a new mitigating factor in sentencing that allows courts to consider a defendant's status as a combat veteran with service-connected disability and diagnosed PTSD when determining an appropriate sentence. Second, the bill establishes new protocols for handling situations involving combat veterans who may be experiencing PTSD-related challenges. Specifically, if a qualified service-disabled veteran who is a combat veteran is believed to have committed an offense or needs assistance due to suspected PTSD, law enforcement or ambulance services are required to transport the veteran to a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital for evaluation by qualified medical professionals. If the hospital staff determines the veteran is not a danger to themselves or others, the veteran will be released, unless they are subject to law enforcement custody for an offense requiring pretrial detention. The bill also provides definitions for key terms such as "combat veteran," "post-traumatic stress disorder," and "qualified service-disabled veteran," and aims to create a more compassionate and supportive legal approach for veterans who may be struggling with the psychological impacts of military service.
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Added as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes (on 02/06/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1824&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1824.htm |
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