Vella Legislation Protecting Crime Victims Signed into Law

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to provide support to crime victims, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, passed legislation that was signed into law last Friday by Gov. Pritzker that allows no-contact orders to become permanent against those convicted of a sex crime.

“To ensure that victims are able to receive the support they need to recover, it is critical that we are creating a system that puts the needs of survivors first,” said Vella. “This legislation will stop forcing victims to have to face their perpetrators in court every two years, which goes against the point of a no-contact order. I applaud the Governor for signing this critical piece of legislation and making our state more supportive to survivors.”

Prior to the passage of this legislation, civil no-contact orders only lasted 2 years, forcing victims to have to go to court and reobtain another no-contact order and see their abuser. Vella’s legislation, House Bill 734, allows for civil no-contact orders to become permanent if the defendant has been convicted of various sexual crimes.

In addition to this legislation, Vella has worked to provide support to survivors. This session, he helped pass legislation expanding the Crime Victims Compensation program, which provides financial support to crime victims who incurred costs, such as medical bills, due to the crime.

“With the amount of hardship that comes with being a crime victim, it is important that we do everything in our power to put survivors on the path towards recovery,” said Vella. “This legislation is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing my work in Springfield to ensure we are securing as many resources as possible for survivors.”