§ 2-35 — Local advisory councils

(a) Subject to appropriation, and no later than July 1, 2025, the Department shall create local advisory councils for each of the service areas for the purpose of obtaining recommendations on how to distribute funds in these areas to maximize pretrial success. Local advisory councils shall consist of no fewer than 5 members. At least 40% of members shall have personal experience with being charged with a felony offense in Illinois. At least 20% of members shall have personal experience with a family member being charged with a felony offense in Illinois. Members of the local advisory councils shall serve without compensation except those designated as individuals with personal experience may receive stipends as compensation for their time. (b) The Department shall provide data to each local advisory council on the characteristics of the service area and the availability of community-based pretrial supports and services. The Department shall also provide best available evidence on how to maximize pretrial success. (c) Each local advisory council shall make recommendations on how to allocate distributed resources and desired goals for its service area based on information provided to them by the Department. (d) Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Department shall consider the recommendations and determine how to distribute funds through grants to community-based organizations and local governments. To the extent the Department does not follow a local advisory council's recommendation on allocation of funds, the Department shall explain in writing why a different allocation of resources is more likely to maximize pretrial success in the service area.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 103-588, eff. 6-5-24.)