SPRINGFIELD – After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of figuring out how to get to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced a bill that would expand the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“No one should be left stranded after a traumatic experience,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This bill makes sure survivors can get to their next destination safely, without worrying about the cost.”

In Illinois, after an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can be used to cover costs of ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

Glowiak Hilton’s measure, Senate Bill 1274, would expand the list of eligible expenses covered by the voucher to include taxi or rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, to return home or to the transferring hospital, or to reach a shelter. The legislation follows the recommendation of the Illinois Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force, which identified rideshare services as a helpful option when providing support for sexual assault survivors.

“Expanding what this voucher can be used for is a small but impactful change that can make a significant difference in a survivor’s healing journey,” said Glowiak Hilton. “We should do all we can to help remove obstacles for individuals during a difficult time.”

Senate Bill 1274 passed the Senate on Thursday.