SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This measure makes it clear that basic dignity and truthfulness are not an option during investigations—they’re a right.”

House Bill 3710 affirms that individuals who report being a crime victim have the right to be treated with fairness and respect, including during the investigatory stage. The bill would also prohibit the use of deception by law enforcement, defining it as the knowing communication of false facts about evidence.

Current Illinois law already outlines extensive protections for crime victims under the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights. These include the right to be heard in court, to receive timely notice of proceedings, to be protected from the accused, and to have an advocate present throughout the judicial process. House Bill 3710 would build on those protections by addressing a gap at the investigatory level, which is often the most vulnerable stage for victims.

Under the legislation, any person determined by a court or prosecutor to have suffered physical or psychological harm as the result of a violent crime—including victims’ representatives and immediate family members—would be entitled to this new protection against deception.

“From the moment a victim comes forward, our justice system must be one they can trust,” Villanueva added. “House Bill 3710 would align our practices with our principles and ensures that victims are not re-traumatized by the very system meant to protect them.”

House  Bill 3710 passed Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.