Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that there is a rebuttable presumption that the testimony of a victim who is a child under 13 years of age shall testify outside the courtroom and the child's testimony shall be shown in the courtroom by means of a 2-way closed circuit television (rather than closed circuit television). Provides that before the court permits the testimony of a victim outside the courtroom that is to be shown in the courtroom by means of a closed circuit television, the court must make a finding that the testimony by means of a 2-way closed circuit television (rather than closed circuit television) does not prejudice the defendant.

Creates the Criminal Justice Special Advocates Program for People with Disabilities Act. Provides that subject to appropriation for this purpose, the Department of Human Services shall establish a 3-year, 5-county pilot program to provide a minimum of one criminal justice special advocate in each selected county to serve the advocacy and support needs of an individual with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability involved in the criminal justice system of the county. Contains provisions concerning the selection of counties; the qualifications and duties of criminal justice special advocates; and Department evaluation and reporting requirements.

SB 2604 is a funding bill that allocates $90 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Attorney General's Office for its general operations during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It also specifies additional funding for specific programs, including $11 million for crime victim grants, $5 million for domestic violence legal services, $2.5 million for Medicaid fraud enforcement, and $3.75 million for tobacco litigation oversight. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and provides no new policy changes - only budget allocations for existing Attorney General functions.