Halpin-Backed Bill Cracking Down on Stalking, Improving Public Safety Soon In Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Survivors of stalking and harassment will be better protected as new a law backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, will take effect on Jan. 1, ensuring that stalkers and other harassers aren’t tipped off before being served by the police.

“The survivors of stalking and harassment look to law enforcement for safety, but the brave men and women working to stop criminals can’t do their job if the targets of no emergency no contact orders are tipped off beforehand,” Halpin said. “Once a no-contact order is approved it’s available for anyone to see online, but it’s not in effect until officers serve the order in-person. This gives criminals a dangerous opportunity to harass their victims, and it has to end.”

Halpin helped pass House Bill 2309, which will go into effect Jan. 1 of next year. Halpin’s bill requires that emergency no-contact orders may not be posted to any publicly-available record until the order has been served. This bill is an initiative of the Illinois Sherriff’s Association, and it will help put an end to a difficult problem they have been forced to handle for years.

“Law enforcement officers deserve all the help we can give them in exchange for their brave sacrifices,” Halpin said. “I’m confident this law will help keep innocent people safe, make jobs a little easier for law enforcement and crack down on harassers and abusers.”