Hoffman, Crime Victims Highlight State Changes Supporting Compensation, Urge Further Action

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Underscoring the need for Illinois to better support those impacted by violence, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, joined local members of Crime Survivors Speak and the Alliance for Safety and Justice Tuesday to highlight their success strengthening access to the state’s Crime Victims Compensation Program.

“We’re lengthening the time victims can apply for support, increasing transparency, cutting red tape and putting people first,” Hoffman said. “I’m grateful for our local survivors and their families who have shared their stories, and have made the difficult decision to turn their pain into action in Springfield. Senate Bill 118 is going to help more people on their path to recovery, but our work is not over. Let’s keep building on this positive momentum.”

“I lost my son to gun violence,” said Skyla Pawnell, member of Crime Survivors Speak. “Leader Hoffman’s efforts to help victims like me access victims’ compensation in the aftermath of unspeakable tragedies is a lifeline. When your world falls apart, the last thing you should have to fight is a system that’s supposed to help you. This work means families like mine can focus on grieving and healing, not on how to pay for a funeral.”

Led by Hoffman in the House, the bipartisan Senate Bill 118:

• Extends the time a survivor has to document their victimization from 72 hours to 30 days,
• Improves access to certification from a mental health provider as an alternative option to a police report to document the crime,
• Requires the process for requesting and receiving emergency compensation for urgent costs to be more transparent and accessible, and
• Specifies information and forms that must be available on the Attorney General’s website to ensure accessibility for victims applying for compensation.

Senate Bill 118 was signed into law, and will take full effect beginning Jan. 1, 2027. For his work on the effort, Hoffman was recognized by attendees Tuesday.

“On behalf of Crime Survivors Speak and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, we are honored to present Leader Hoffman with the Champion for Crime Victims & Survivors award for his steadfast leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing the rights, healing, and support of crime victims and survivors across Illinois,” said Yolanda Carter, member of Crime Survivors Speak. “His championship and advocacy were instrumental in passing SB 118, helping more survivors of violent crime access the care and support they deserve. We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every survivor has a path to healing.”

Hoffman and event attendees are available for interview.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

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