summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Restorative Justice Community Court Act. Provides that the chief judge of each judicial circuit shall establish at least one Restorative Justice Community Court and may establish additional satellite Restorative Justice Community Courts. Provides that Restorative Justice Community Courts shall be planned, operated, and evaluated in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court Problem-Solving Court standards and shall obtain certification and maintain compliance with the requirements of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. Provides that referral to the Restorative Justice Community Court may be initiated by the court; the defendant; counsel for the defendant; probation, pretrial services, or Restorative Justice Community Court staff; or the State's Attorney. Provides that, upon admission to a Restorative Justice Community Court, the court shall enter an order staying the criminal proceedings and tolling the speedy-trial period. Provides that, upon a finding by the court that a participant has successfully completed all conditions of a Restorative Justice Community Court Agreement, including obligations to repair harm, participate in restorative processes, and comply with services and supports identified in the restorative agreement, the court shall: (1) dismiss the charge or charges underlying the participant's admission to the Restorative Justice Community Court in the interests of justice and (2) enter an order dismissing the charge or charges and expunging the record of arrest and court proceedings in accordance with the Criminal Identification Act without any statutory waiting period. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Restorative Justice Community Court Act, mandating that the chief judge of each judicial circuit create at least one Restorative Justice Community Court, which will operate under Illinois Supreme Court Problem-Solving Court standards and be certified by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. These courts offer an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings, allowing for referrals from various parties including the court, defendant, or State's Attorney. Upon admission, criminal proceedings are paused, and the speedy-trial period, which is the timeframe within which a defendant must be brought to trial, is tolled, meaning it is temporarily suspended. If a participant successfully completes their restorative agreement, which involves repairing harm, participating in restorative processes, and complying with identified services and supports, the underlying charges will be dismissed in the interest of justice, and the arrest and court records will be expunged without any waiting period. The bill also makes conforming changes to the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee (on 02/24/2026)
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