Attorney General Kwame Raoul applauded the unanimous passage of his legislation to improve state programs serving victims of crime by the Illinois General Assembly on May 31.
Raoul said, “This legislation represents a package of reforms that will improve the vital services that support victims of crime on their path toward recovery. 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. The bill also clarifies that notices sent to crime victims under the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act must include not only date, time, and place but also the purpose of court proceedings. Additionally, it seeks to improve functionality in the Address Confidentiality Program administered by Raoul’s office.
Representative Kelly Cassidy said, “I am proud to be an active member of the Attorney General’s SASETA working group. 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.” State Senator Julie Morrison said, “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. Thanks to this effort, community members are one step closer to easier access to forensic examinations and fortified rights.”
The bill passed unanimously in both chambers; it now goes before the governor for approval. The Attorney General’s Violence Prevention and Crime Victim Services Division provides trauma-informed statewide programs for recovery assistance.
The Illinois Attorney General advocated for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors; handled thousands of consumer complaints each year; aimed to protect consumers while promoting safer communities; extended advocacy efforts across Illinois; partnered with law enforcement agencies; promoted open government; and offered complaint filing services related to consumer fraud or civil rights—all according to the official website.
