Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced a new law aimed at improving how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 will require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

SPRINGFIELD – County coroners and medical examiners will soon be able to receive mental health counseling if needed, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce that was signed into law.

“This is a great step forward for our local coroners,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Coroners and medical examiners are key members of our investigative system and deserved to be taken care of.”

Senate Bill 2770 will add coroners, deputy coroners, county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners to the definition of first responders for the purpose of providing them mental health counseling without any cost-sharing.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ getting legislation signed into law that will accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.

“This legislation hits close to the Southland,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Dan Davis, a hardworking man with a routine life suddenly vanishes after what may have been a health crisis. A daughter tirelessly gathering footage, organizing searches and raising awareness. Family and friends left in limbo, wondering if he’s safe, disoriented or in need of help. It reminds us how quickly life can change and how urgently we need better tools to bring people home.”

Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 will update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice. After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.

CHICAGO – To recognize and honor the history and legacy of Emmett Till, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a newly signed law to honor July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day in Illinois.

“Emmett Till’s story is a painful chapter in our nation’s history, but it is one we must continue to remember and teach,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing Emmett Till Day, we honor his life, the courage of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley and the generations of advocates who have fought for justice and equality.”

Halpin measure to keep track of Illinois student loan market signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — In the face of higher student debt for many in Illinois and across the country, State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to keep track of the private student loan borrowing market has been signed into law.

“Student loans present a critical burden to students, graduates and their families,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We need to keep track of the private student loan market in Illinois to get a sense of exactly how large that burden is and what the state needs to do to mitigate those effects.”

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Turner law to ensure people know about prescription recalls

SPRINGFIELD — People in Illinois will soon have a quicker way to know whether their medications have been recalled thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“People need to be up-to-date on what’s happening with their medications, especially for our seniors,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I heard from a number of constituents who were unaware of recalls on their prescriptions, and it is clear that we need an avenue for people to instantly find answers on medications they take.”

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Sims law protects incarcerated individuals' connections with family, loved ones

SPRINGFIELD — A measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. that was signed into law creates financial guardrails to ensure the criminal justice system supports family connections instead of restricting them.

“Mail correspondence is a vital – and often cost-effective – lifeline,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “When families already spend thousands just to stay in touch with an incarcerated loved one, they shouldn’t face yet another cost barrier to staying connected.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain qualified deputy sheriffs has become law.

“As we face a shortage of police officers in our state, we have formed a program to help foster groups of young people into qualified public servants,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This will not only help address the shortage but also ensure that our future police officers are ones our communities can count on for their safety.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio’s measure to continue studying mental health treatments to address the nationwide veteran suicide crisis has been signed into law.

“The studies and outcomes produced by this council have been extremely promising. They are saving real lives,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We must continue to fight against veteran suicide as a national crisis, and this law keeps Illinois at the forefront of that fight.”

Porfirio’s law continues the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Advisory Council and places the council under the Illinois Department of Public Health.

CHICAGO — Freed and exonerated Illinoisans joined State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. and State Representative Justin Slaughter at a press conference Tuesday to celebrate a newly signed law creating a clearer path to financial relief for people who have been wrongfully incarcerated in Illinois.

“Today marks a change in how the state of Illinois sees and responds to the injustice of a wrongful incarceration,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “When the system gets it wrong, it’s on us as leaders to step up and make it right. This law goes beyond compensation to provide a path toward justice.”