VICTIM CENTERED APPROACH ACT
What changed between versions
The bill title was changed from 'Victim Centered Approach Pilot Program Act' to 'Equal Justice for Immigrant Crime Victims Pilot Program Act'.
Eligibility criteria were updated to include victims of 'qualifying criminal activity' instead of being limited strictly to 'violent crimes'.
A new definition section was added to define 'victim of qualifying criminal activity' by referencing the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors (VOICES) Act.
The Lake County State's Attorney is authorized to initiate representation on or before December 31, 2031, with existing representations continuing beyond that date.
The requirement for the Lake County State's Attorney to develop a program was changed to 'may represent', indicating a shift from a mandatory program development to authorized representation.