SB0153 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 02605 RLC 12608 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
SB0153

Introduced 2/9/2021, by Sen. Linda Holmes

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

725 ILCS 5/Art. 113A heading new
725 ILCS 5/113A-1 new

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in a prosecution of a case involving the injury, health, or safety of a cat or dog, the court may, on its own motion or motion of any party, appoint a licensed attorney-at-law of the State or a law student as a special advocate to assist the court, as deemed appropriate by the court, and represent the interests of justice regarding the health or safety of the cat or dog. Provides that the advocate may: (1) monitor the case; (2) consult any person with information that could aid the court and review records relating to the condition of the cat or dog and the defendant's actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and police officers; (3) attend hearings; and (4) present information or recommendations to the court pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of justice, provided that information shall be based solely on the duties undertaken under this provision. Defines "law student".

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning criminal law.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 is amended by adding Article 113A as follows:

(725 ILCS 5/Art. 113A heading new)

ARTICLE 113A. SPECIAL ADVOCATES

(725 ILCS 5/113A-1 new)

Sec. 113A-1. Special advocates.

(a) In a prosecution of a case involving the injury, health, or safety of a cat or dog, the court may, on its own motion or motion of any party, appoint a licensed attorney-at-law of this State or a law student as a special advocate to assist the court, as deemed appropriate by the court, and represent the interests of justice regarding the health or safety of the cat or dog.

(b) The advocate may:

(1) monitor the case;

(2) consult any person with information that could aid the court and review records relating to the condition of the cat or dog and the defendant's actions, including, but not limited to, records from animal control officers, veterinarians, and police officers;

(3) attend hearings; and

(4) present information or recommendations to the court pertinent to determinations that relate to the interests of justice, provided that information shall be based solely on the duties undertaken under this subsection (b).

(c) In this Section, "law student" means a law student licensed under Supreme Court Rule 711 or attached to a legal aid bureau, legal assistance program, organization, or clinic chartered by this State or approved by a law school approved by the American Bar Association.