SB0153eng 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB0153 Engrossed LRB102 02605 RLC 12608 b

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 authorized to provide services under Supreme Court Rule 711 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).