CHICAGO – Measures to improve compensation for victims of crime and strengthen and enhance the SAFE-T Act, Illinois’ comprehensive criminal justice reforms passed earlier this year, championed by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, were recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Although we made much needed progress with the passage of the SAFE-T Act to strengthen police accountability and devote more resources to fighting violent crime, we still have a lot of work to do before Illinois sees the equality and fairness that we so desperately need,” Slaughter said. “We must keep pressing forward in order to build an equitable, modern and more responsive public safety system.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law two bills sponsored by Slaughter that build upon the SAFE-T Act, also known as Public Act 101-0652. House Bill 3443 aligns the definition of a mental health crisis with standards from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This will help police departments meet requirements for monthly reports filed with the Illinois State Police (ISP) containing their responses to people experiencing a mental health crisis. House Bill 3443 also strengthens timelines for implementing the SAFE-T Act. House Bill 3295 increases potential compensation for victims of violent crime by over 66% from $27,000 to $45,000 and allows more time for victims to successfully complete applications for compensation.

“Illinois is experiencing a new day for equity and for justice by adopting a smart on crime approach to public safety and turning the page on the failed policies of the past that kept families less safe,” Slaughter said. “ I will continue to push for improvements to our justice system so that every family can feel safe in their community.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is highlighting National Expungement Week by drawing attention to opportunities for local citizens to expunge arrest records under Illinois’ new law legalizing the adult-use of cannabis.

“An arrest record or conviction can follow someone long after they’ve gotten in trouble and unfortunately, these records can act as a barrier to building a better life,” Harper said. “Since a criminal record can keep someone from accessing jobs and housing, it’s critical that citizens trying to build a better life are aware about opportunities that allow them to expunge their records.”

Under the Harper-backed legalization of adult-use of recreational cannabis, Illinois will expand opportunities for the expungement of arrest records, which means that eligible police arrest records will be destroyed. For citizens with arrest records for possession of cannabis under 30 grams, the expungement process is automatic if the arrest did not result in conviction. For arrests for possession of cannabis under 30 grams that resulted in conviction, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will offer pardons after eligible convictions have been identified by the Illinois State Police and reviewed by the State’s Prisoner Review Board. Individuals arrested and convicted for cannabis cases involving possession of 30 to 500 grams, including with other associated crimes, will be eligible to file a motion to vacate their conviction and have the associated record expunged.

“Illinois is unique in that it is offering the broadest expungement opportunities for any state that has legalized recreational cannabis for adults,” Harper said. “People who have a minor cannabis record shouldn’t have that mistake follow them around for the rest of their lives, and thanks to the expungement opportunities in Illinois, they don’t have to.”  

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.

CHICAGO – Legislation supported by state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, to expand protections for victims of sexual assault and stalking was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Survivors of sexual assault and stalking are often targeted for future crimes by their assailants, and implementing additional protection measures for victims is critical to their safety,” said Slaughter. “This expansion will help keep perpetrators from attacking or intimidating their victims again.” 

The Slaughter-backed House Bill 2818 expands address confidentiality to include victims of stalking and sexual assault. Applying for address confidentiality can help prevent future assault or stalking by keeping the victim’s address out of public record. Previously, only victims of domestic violence were eligible to apply for this protection.

 “Upholding the confidentiality of survivors’ addresses is not only critical to their physical safety, but can help provide peace of mind as well,” said Slaughter. “I’m grateful to be able to work with a governor who recognizes the importance of protecting survivors by taking proactive measures to prevent offenses.”

AURORA, Ill. – Legislation supported by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, to eliminate the statute of limitations on sexual assault offenses was recently signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“In the wake of the Me Too movement, more and more victims of sexual abuse are feeling safe to seek justice for the horrible crimes that happened to them,” said Hernandez. “I am stepping up for these men and women by ensuring this pathway to justice is available to them at any time.”

Hernandez supported House Bill 2135, which makes changes to the state criminal code regarding prosecution of sex crimes. Previous statutes of limitations on prosecution of sexual assault was within 10 years of the commission of the crime, only if the victim reported the crime within 3 years. Under this new legislation, a prosecution for charges of sexual assault, including criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, or aggravated sexual abuse, can happen at any time. The measure received unanimous support from both chambers of the General Assembly, and will go into effect Jan. 1st, 2020.

“Victims of sexual assault have gone through trauma like no other, and by removing the time frame for coming forward, I hope to see more victims seek justice against their abusers; whether it happened recently or 20 years ago,” said Hernandez. “I am proud to see this bipartisan bill signed by the governor, but our work cannot stop here. I will continue to work towards increasing mental and physical health funding for victims, as well as more preventative measures against these devastating crimes.”

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is applauding two new landmark LGBTQ+ equality measures signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week.

“Because of the efforts of Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly, Illinois continues to be at the forefront in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition,” said Didech. “This is another step towards achieving equality and justice for everyone in our state.”

Didech is the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 1378, now Public Act 101-0327, which establishes non-discrimination protections in jury service for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, ensuring prospective jurors are not excluded due to their sexual orientation. Previously, state law only prevented discrimination of prospective jurors based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and economic status. Didech’s new law adds “sexual orientation” to that list.

Didech is also a sponsor of House Bill 246, now Public Act 101-227, which requires that history textbooks purchased for Illinois schools include portions dedicated to the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans. Didech hopes both pieces of legislation will send a message that Illinois is on the right side of history.

“While Donald Trump works to reverse all the progress we have made, Illinois is fighting back and standing with our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors,” Didech said. “Our state and community have made a lot of progress over the past few years in the fight for equality and must continue doing everything we can to promote a more welcoming society.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, praised the enactment of a new law that will provide stronger access to justice and health care services for sexual assault victims.

“Victims of heinous and violent crimes such as sexual assault and rape should not be afraid of calling the police to report the abuse inflicted upon them,” Harper said. “This law will help remove certain obstacles that might prevent someone from reporting a sexual assault or requesting medical help for themselves after an attack.”

Harper supported House Bill 92 to reform sexual assault reporting laws in Illinois by preventing police from executing certain low-level warrants on people who are reporting a sexual assault. Currently, police in Illinois are obligated to arrest victims who report rape and sexual assault if the victim has an outstanding warrant. This measure, which does not apply to those with warrants for violent crimes, instead requires police to issue a court appearance notification to victims reporting a sexual assault who have an outstanding low-level warrant. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that only 23 percent of sexual assaults are reported to police, a far lower amount than for crimes such as battery or robbery. The purpose of House Bill 92 is to improve access to justice for sexual assault victims and help law enforcement direct resources towards combatting violent crime.

“HB92 is a crucial step forward for victims reporting sexual assault,” said Carrie Ward, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “Victims should not face the potential of being arrested as a result of reporting rape.  This victim-centered legislation will help propel Illinois forward in its efforts to prosecute rapists and secure justice for rape survivors.”

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Under a measure supported by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, survivors of sexual assault will have increased protections when seeking medical attention.

“It is critical that we empower survivors to come forward to law enforcement to report sexual assault or receive necessary medical attention,” said Stuart. “Bringing the offender to justice and ensuring that the survivor receives appropriate medical attention will be a top priority for law enforcement under this legislation.”

Previously, law enforcement was obligated to arrest survivors with an outstanding arrest warrant, even if it was for a nonviolent, low-level offense. Rather than arresting the survivor, the Stuart-backed House Bill 92 requires law enforcement to issue the survivor a notice to appear in court for the previous offense.

“Having the fear of arrest for a prior offense only deters survivors from coming forward to report their assault or seek needed medical help,” continued Stuart. “Rather than arresting survivors for low-level offenses, this legislation will ensure law enforcement’s focus is on tracking down the perpetrator of the sexual assault. I thank the governor for standing up for survivors and signing this legislation into law.”

The legislation Stuart supported received unanimous bipartisan support in the Illinois House and Senate, and was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“HB92 is a crucial step forward for victims reporting sexual assault,” said Carrie Ward, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “Victims should not face the potential of being arrested as a result of reporting rape.  This victim-centered legislation will help propel Illinois forward in its efforts to prosecute rapists and secure justice for rape survivors.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to advocate for sexual assault survivors, state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, fought to permit survivors with warrants of arrest for non-violent offenses to seek medical treatment and report incidents of assault to law enforcement without fear of prosecution.

“If we want to put an end to sexual assault, we need to create an environment where survivors feel safe going to the authorities under any circumstance,” Pappas said. “When survivors are afraid to report their experiences, assaulters will go unchecked, and potentially continue their behavior. By ensuring that more victims come forward, we are also ensuring that more sexual assaulters are found, prosecuted and taken off the streets. I’m grateful that Governor Pritzker joined us in this fight and signed this critical legislation into law.”

Pappas helped pass House Bill 92 to empower survivors to report instances of assault. If the survivor has an outstanding warrant, law enforcement is required only to issue the victim a notice to appear in court. This exemption does not apply to victims who have a warrant for a violent crime or forcible felony. Gov. Pritzker recently signed this bill into law.

“HB 92 is a crucial step forward for victims reporting sexual assault,” said Carrie Ward, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “Victims should not face the potential of being arrested as a result of reporting rape. This victim-centered legislation will help propel Illinois forward in its efforts to prosecute rapists and secure justice for rape survivors.”

CHICAGO – Police and prosecutors will be able to charge sexually violent criminals at any time under a new law passed by state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, removing that statute of limitations for sexual assault.

“Survivors of the vicious, violent crime of sexual assault deserve justice, regardless of when they are able to come forward,” D’Amico said. “This bill offers sexual assault survivors the time they need to come to police and prosecutors and make their voices heard.”

D’Amico supported House Bill 2135, which eliminates the statute of limitations for sexual assault. Currently, such offenses must be prosecuted within three to ten years, depending on when a survivor reported the offense to law enforcement. This change will assist survivors of sexual assault because the trauma-induced effects of a sexual assault can prevent victims from coming forward in the immediate aftermath of the assault.

The measure receive bipartisan support in the House and the Senate, and was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Too many sexual assault survivors are unable to speak about what happened to them and this feeling can last long past their current ability to seek justice,” D’Amico said. “Removing this roadblock is a major step forward to help ensure that survivors have the ability to receive the justice they deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Sexually violent criminals will face justice for their crimes under a new law backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, allowing survivors who have a warrant for a non-violent crime come forward to the police without fear of arrest.

“Sexual predators should never escape the consequences of their crimes. When we provide incentives for their victims to remain silent, we give the perpetrators a better chance of getting away,” Halpin said. “Victims deserve the right to have their voices heard, and we need to make sure that their attackers are prosecuted and punished. Governor J.B. Pritzker’s support and signature have helped us make great strides in the fight against sexual assault.”

Halpin helped pass House Bill 92, which protects sexual assault victims with arrest warrants for non-violent crimes by ensuring that they will not be taken into custody if they report the assault to law enforcement or medical professionals. Instead, law enforcement is required only to issue the victim a notice to appear in court. This exemption does not apply to victims who have a warrant for a violent crime or forcible felony. Gov. Pritzker recently signed this bill into law.

“HB 92 is a crucial step forward for victims reporting sexual assault,” said Carrie Ward, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “Victims should not face the potential of being arrested as a result of reporting rape. This victim-centered legislation will help propel Illinois forward in its efforts to prosecute rapists and secure justice for rape survivors.”