Chambana Sun

State Representative Chris Miller commented on the signing of a bill he sponsored, saying, "This legislation will provide people with transportation who need to visit problem-solving courts for counseling or classes." He made the statement in an Aug. 12 Facebook post.

"As Chief Sponsor of Senate Bill 3405, I'm happy to see this bill become law," said Miller, according to Facebook. "This legislation will provide people with transportation who need to visit problem-solving courts for counseling or classes. Substance abuse and PTSD are challenges to address in Illinois, and this bill will help improve these areas of treatment. People that need help and more support will have it under SB3405."

In his Facebook post, Rep. Miller shared a link to the Illinois Legislative General Assembly website for the bill he referred to. Senate Bill 3405, known as the Problem-Solving Court bill, was first sponsored by Senator Chapin Rose on Feb. 8, 2024, and arrived in the Illinois State House of Representatives on April 12, where Miller stepped up as chief sponsor. He was joined by Rep. Adam Niemerg as co-sponsor in the House. The bill passed both houses on May 20 and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 9. Officially known as public act 103-0988, the bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Screenshot of Rep. Chris MIller's Aug. 12 Facebook post | State Representative Chris Miller Facebook page

The bill defines "problem-solving court" as "a court program regulated under the Drug Court Treatment Act, the Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Act, the Mental Health Court Treatment Act, or the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act." The bill allows counties to use funds designated by law or ordinance to provide transportation for individuals in problem-solving courts.

According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA), problem-solving courts are meant for individuals who have substance abuse or mental health disorders and have been charged with or convicted of non-violent crimes. These courts aim to help participants avoid criminal convictions upon completion or serve as an alternative to incarceration.

Participation in these courts is voluntary, and individuals are referred to problem-solving courts by law enforcement, judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, treatment professionals, and probation officers, according to ICJIA. Participants must be evaluated by trained and/or licensed treatment providers before continuing into the program.

Miller was first elected to the Illinois State House of Representatives in 2019 and is an Illinois native. He is a third-generation cattle farmer and grain operator in Hindsboro. He earned an associate degree in agriculture from Lake Land College and has a Bachelor of Science in Education, according to his official biography.