SE Illinois News

Senate Bill 2323, introduced as a bipartisan effort, aims to enhance how Illinois addresses human trafficking issues by optimizing support services and improving coordination among state agencies. The bill adopts a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach to better identify, assist, and protect trafficking victims in the state.

Senator Fowler is a key co-sponsor of this legislative effort.

The bill was crafted based on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group, established in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders. It proposes a strategic plan to build a comprehensive network of services for survivors, including establishing care standards for medical and legal service providers.

Senate Bill 2323 outlines several key provisions:

- Coordinated Services for Victims: The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will spearhead prevention efforts, provide resources for staff, and coordinate services for youth in care, especially those who are victims of human trafficking or at high risk.

- Expanded Training for Key Agencies: The bill mandates enhanced training for staff in DCFS, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Corrections. The objective is to improve identification and assistance for victims, particularly youth in state care, and enhance screening for at-risk groups in the justice system.

- Multidisciplinary Task Forces: To enhance the handling of human trafficking cases, Senate Bill 2323 will establish multidisciplinary law enforcement task forces to coordinate investigations and response efforts across different jurisdictions.

- Extended Legal Rights for Survivors: The legislation removes the 25-year time limit for victims to sue their abusers, allowing survivors trafficked as minors to seek legal redress at any point during their recovery.

The Senate Criminal Law Committee approved Senate Bill 2323 on March 18.