SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois will make cracking down on domestic abusers and supporting survivors a priority under legislation backed by State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, which creates a task force dedicated to creating and efforcing anti-domestic violence measures.

“Everyone deserves a home free of the threat of violence and I’m committed to ensuring that right for all Illinoisans,” Hernandez said. “Cracking down on domestic violence will help create stability for countless women and children who currently have to live under the threat of a violent guardian. Letting horrible behavior fester will not only cause suffering in the short-term, it will hamper the long-term growth of our children. It is past time we end these abuses.”

House Bill 3317 creates the Domestic Violence Task Force Act to identify gaps in domestic violence laws and make reccomendations about new policies that could better prevent domestic violence and keep victims safe from previous abusers. The task force will, among other things, review bail conditions for offenders in situations where their victims may be in danger. This legislation is dedicated to the memory of Colton Miller, an 18-month-old victim of domestic violence who lost his life in 2019.

“Too many women and children have been forced to endure the dangers and humiliations of domestic violence because we have not adequately protected them,” Hernandez said. “Banishing domestic violence from Illinois will require a multi-faceted approach, including expanding access to mental health treatment and creating stronger gun safety measures. However, this legislation is a critical move to creating the change that is so clearly needed.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently supported legislation to provide stronger enforcement of fair pay laws, employee safety protections and fair hiring practices.

“Jobs and economic opportunities are extremely important in maintaining a stable community, so it is critical that we work to provide steady and fair pay and a safe environment for employees,” Hernandez said. “We must do all we can to ensure that our neighbors are earning a fair wage and that local businesses are not taking advantage of the vulnerable.”

Hernandez backed Senate Bill 161, which creates a worker protection watchdog unit in the office of the Illinois Attorney General. The purpose of the unit is to investigate instances of unsafe working conditions, non-payment of wages, unfair hiring practices and discriminatory behavior across the state at all levels of business. Hernandez’s legislation also creates the Worker Protection Task Force to refine investigative methods and cracks down on businesses that exploit workers.

“Illinois workers deserve jobs that are safe and employers who treat them fairly and pay them what they are owed,” Hernandez said. “By ensuring enforcement of fair pay and workplace safety laws, we can work toward a better economy, a stronger middle class and a stronger Illinois.”