Sanalitro supports HB3393 to revise Illinois criminal testimony rules

Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-48th) cast a Yes vote for HB3393, a measure updating testimony regulations within criminal procedure, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House. The legislation advanced with a 115-0 unanimous House vote.

The bill summary officially reads: "CRIM PRO--SPEEDY TRIAL TOLL."

The following contains our summary and interpretation, intended to clarify key provisions based on the full bill text.

This legislation amends the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure to revise how testimony from certain victims in qualifying criminal cases is managed. It eliminates the rebuttable presumption that victims under age 13 must give testimony via closed circuit television outside the courtroom, instead authorizing courts to order remote testimony for victims under 18 or for people with specified disabilities at risk of severe emotional distress if required to testify in open court. If the court denies such a motion, the State may seek a 30-day tolling of speedy trial provisions to resubmit. The law designates which individuals may attend such testimony, allows electronic defendant communication, and requires a judicial determination that remote testimony will not unfairly prejudice the defendant. These changes will apply to prosecutions initiated after the bill's effective date.

The official action recorded for HB3393 was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'

Sanalitro, a Republican, became the Illinois State House representative for the 48th District in 2023, succeeding Terra Costa Howard.

In Illinois, bills proceed through a multi-step lawmaking process starting upon introduction in either chamber, moving through committee review, floor deliberations, and votes by both the House and Senate, before reaching the governor for approval or veto. The General Assembly meets biennially; while many proposals are filed each session, only a limited number are enacted into law.