Attorney General Raoul Applauds Final Passage Of Victims’ Rights Legislation
Senate Bill 3506, which would expand TeleSANE use and strengthen victim notification requirements, now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk.
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today applauded the General Assembly’s unanimous passage of his legislation to improve state programs serving victims of crime.
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“This legislation represents a package of reforms that will improve the vital services that support victims of crime on their path toward recovery,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to ensuring that crime victims receive appropriate resources and support, and I thank the members of our SASETA working group as well as Senator Julie Morrison and Representative Kelly Cassidy for their continued work and advocacy.”
Senate Bill 3506 would allow hospitals and approved pediatric healthcare facilities to use TeleSANE, an interactive telecommunications system, in accordance with the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. The system allows a qualified medical provider to consult remotely on a medical forensic examination for sexual assault survivors who are age 13 or older. TeleSANE gives providers who are training to be qualified medical providers more opportunities to complete their clinical logs, and gives treatment hospitals options that could help reduce burdensome patient transfers and wait times by improving access to providers.
Senate Bill 3506 also clarifies that the notices sent to crime victims under the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act must include the purpose – not just the date, time and place – of court proceedings. This will ensure that crime victims know when a detainee is before a judge and may be released. Having this information will allow victims who want to make a statement to be heard, in keeping with the intent of the Illinois Constitution, Crime Victims Bill of Rights, and the Pretrial Fairness Act.
The legislation would also improve the functionality and effectiveness of the Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Attorney General’s office.
Senate Bill 3506 was initiated by Raoul and is sponsored in the House by Rep. Kelly Cassidy and in the Senate by Sen. Julie Morrison.
“I am proud to be an active member of the Attorney General’s SASETA working group,” said Rep. Kelly Cassidy. “Passage of SB 3506 represents another significant step forward in the ongoing work to ensure that survivors of sexual violence receive the care they need when and where they need it, are treated with care and respect, and most of all are believed.”
“I am grateful to have collaborated with Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his office on Senate Bill 3506 as we worked to strengthen the rights of crime victims and ensure additional resources for medical facilities that assist with forensic examinations,” said State Senator Julie Morrison. “Thanks to this effort, community members are one step closer to easier access to forensic examinations and fortified rights.”
Senate Bill 3506 unanimously passed in the House today after passing without opposition in the Senate earlier this month. The legislation will now go to the governor’s desk for approval.
The Attorney General’s Violence Prevention and Crime Victim Services Division helps victims and families on their road to recovery with trauma-informed, statewide programs and resources. Since taking office, Raoul has strengthened the division by expanding access to crime victim services and implementing a more victim-centric approach to assisting survivors and families.
For additional information on services for crime victims or to report a violation of victims’ rights, individuals can visit the Attorney General’s website. For additional information about the SANE Program or to sign up for SANE trainings, individuals can visit the Attorney General’s website. Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking can apply for the Address Confidentiality Program through the Attorney General’s office in order to receive a substitute address that can be used to create or update public records or for personal use.
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