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.
Dental records, including charts and radiographs, are among the most reliable tools available when fingerprints or other identifiers are unavailable. By ensuring dental data is available earlier, the law aims to improve identification outcomes and help families find closure.
The new law comes just months after the south suburbs was captivated by the three month long search for Dan Davis, a 59-year-old man from the south suburbs who was missing since late November 2025. Unfortunately ─ after months of dedicated investigating by the local authorities and community ─ the search for Dan Davis came to an end after the missing father’s remains were found on the border of Alsip and Blue Island on March 9, 2026. The discovery set an end to long search that was heartbreaking for his family and community.
“The feeling of waiting for answers while a loved one is missing is agonizing,” said Dan Davis’ daughter Wendy. “For me, every week was its own anxious roller coaster of searching for clues and waiting in anticipation. While doing everything we possibly could to find answers, we also were forced to float in the unknown for months. This feeling is absolutely grueling. It is vital that these families get the information they need as soon as possible. Everything can change in the span of one day, so while searching for loved ones, there is no time to waste.”
Senate Bill 2949 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.
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