Illinois Bill HB3653 has made major changes to criminal justice law in the state of Illinois. Reforms range from additional laws and altering language in statute text to the expansion of various programs. Overall, the legislation serves the ends of progressive social justice in the state of Illinois. The reform bill’s elimination of cash bail has been widely covered in the media, but several other aspects of the bill have not seen as much media coverage, despite being similarly important landmark changes. Among those changes is the expansion of deflection programs in the state of Illinois.
Deflection programs are programs designed to reduce the involvement of the criminal justice system or hospitals in substance abuse cases. Those suffering from substance abuse disorders are best served by substance abuse treatment programs and have high rates of recovery through those programs. Being jostled and tossed through the criminal justice system does little to aid the recovery of those suffering from the negative effects of substance abuse, so deflection programs and legislation instituting laws to assist and facilitate cooperation between substance abuse programs and law enforcement result in better criminal outcomes.
What was changed in the new bill?
In the new legislation, deflection programs have been expanded to include provisions to allow coordination and funding for co-responder approaches that incorporate behavioral health, peer, or social work professionals with law enforcement or other first responders at the scene. This facilitation includes defined criteria for eligibility and communication protocols agreed upon by the first responder entity and a licensed treatment provider.
Additional funding is also provided for the programs and educational programs are laid out for the public, law enforcement communities, and responders who wish to opt in. Education is important to increase awareness of deflection programs and enable advocacy for their effectiveness, and to facilitate coordination.
In addition to funding for educational programs and funding for the deflection programs themselves, funding has been provided for Naloxone distribution. Naloxone is a life-saving medicine for sufferers of opioid overdoses. Without Naloxone at hand, those suffering from heroin or other opioid overdose are at very high risk of dying, but with Naloxone available, fatalities from overdoses can be greatly reduced. Additional funding helps to make Naloxone more available in more places, ultimately saving more lives.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today
It is important to get professional help in matters involving your safety or the safety of those you care for. Do not delay in acquiring legal help from our law offices. Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help navigate new changes to pretrial release procedures. Recent changes to Illinois law likely affect your rights and trial process, so make sure to remain informed and updated. Make sure to acquire legal assistance the whole way through. When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact us today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.