SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate Criminal Law Committee that would protect victims from their abusers by closing gaps that could occur between an emergency and a final order of protection.

“When a judge grants a final order of protection, the intent is clear: the victim deserves protection,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “With more than 62,000 petitions for orders of protections filed in Illinois last year alone, we know how critical these legal tools are. This initiative ensures protection remains fully enforceable and protects survivors from dangerous loopholes.”

Through Senate Bill 3044, Stadelman is leading the charge to protect survivors of domestic abuse by ensuring an emergency order of protection remains in effect until the plenary, or final, order of protection has been served. Under current law, after a judge grants a plenary order, the emergency order initially granted is no longer in effect.

“This legislation was brought forward on behalf of a constituent who experienced firsthand how technical service delays created a gap in her protection. Her experience made clear that our laws needs strengthened and that no survivor should lose protection because of paperwork timing,” said Stadelman. “By keeping the emergency order in effect until the plenary order is officially served, we can guarantee seamless coverage and strengthen enforcement.”

Senate Bill 3044 passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday.