Pritzker Signs Costa Howard Measure to Protect Privacy of Sexual Assault Survivors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Survivors of sexual assault and stalking will now have additional privacy protections in court under a new law spearheaded by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and signed into law today by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“People who have lived through sexual assault and stalking deserve protection from their assailants, both in and out of the courtroom,” said Costa Howard. “This new law keeps victims’ addresses confidential, so they can stand up and seek justice without fear of their attacker using court records to find out where they live.”

Costa Howard led the fight to pass House Bill 2818, which extends address confidentiality to survivors of sexual assault and stalking. Address confidentiality keeps a victim’s address out of the public record, making that information accessible only to law enforcement or other government entities. Previously, these protections were limited to survivors of domestic violence and those who have credible fear for their own safety or the safety of their children.

“I want to thank the Governor for signing this commonsense legislation, which closes a loophole and ensures that victims can appear in court without worrying that their assailants will show up on their doorsteps,” Costa Howard added. “Our legal system needs to support these brave people, preserve their privacy, and keep them and their families safe and secure.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com.