CHICAGO, Ill. – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed seven pieces of legislation to address domestic violence and remove some of the obstacles survivors face.
The laws include protections for students in domestic violence or other traumatic situations, since the problems do not really go away when a child is at school.
“Every difficult choice and obstacle we eliminate for victims of domestic violence unlock an opportunity for them to prioritize their safety,” Pritzker said. “While our work to make Illinois a safer and more compassionate state for survivors is not done, I am heartened by the steps we have taken.”
The legislation signed into law by Pritzker include the following:
House Bill 3582 expands the Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) to provide economic security and safety for more survivors of violent crime.
House Bill 3223 provides a number of new trauma-informed support and protection measures for K-12 students who are survivors of sexual abuse or gender-based violence, parents and expectant parents. The bill seeks to ensure students of all ages can stay in school, stay safe, and complete their education.
House Bill 3484 allows a party in divorce proceedings to request that the opposing party pay an allowance for an initial retainer fee to hire an attorney as a form of interim fees. It will help people with limited incomes receive equitable counsel. HB 3483 takes effect January 1, 2022.
House Bill 3485 allows the Illinois Supreme Court to implement a program to issue Hope Cards to petitioners of a plenary order of protection. Illinois currently does not have a Hope Card program, which exists so that survivors of domestic violence can display essential protection order data in a concise and easy-to-read card format. HB 3485 takes effect on January 1, 2022.
House Bill 3317 creates the Domestic Violence Taskforce Act, also known as Colton’s Taskforce. It’s named after Colton Miller, an 18-month-old who was tragically killed by his father during in a domestic violence incident. Colton’s mother Cassandra Tanner-Miller worked to get this legislation passed in honor of her late son. Colton’s Taskforce will conduct a comprehensive review of processes, operations and enforcement of domestic violence laws in the state, identify gaps and develop recommendations to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence, while holding offenders accountable. HB 3317 takes effect immediately.
Senate Bill 685 creates the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission under ICJIA with the goal of reducing domestic violence fatalities. It also aims to address disparate practices with the systems that interact with victims, survivors and offenders. The 20-member statewide committee will meet at least quarterly and produce a biannual report for the General Assembly. SB 685 takes effect immediately.
Senate Bill 920 creates the Illinois Forensic Science Commission in Illinois. The commission will include the voice of victims of crime and all stakeholders in the justice system, a recommendation of the Illinois State Police and the Governor’s Task Force on Forensic Science. By taking a strong systems-based approach, Illinois will begin to address backlogs, improve communication and streamline coordination among stakeholders in the industry. SB 920 takes effect immediately.
