Bill > HB1903

This bill creates the Human Trafficking Order of Protection Act, which establishes a legal mechanism for victims of human trafficking to obtain protective orders. The bill allows victims of human trafficking (or someone acting on their behalf) to file a petition for protection, either independently or in conjunction with other civil or criminal proceedings. Key provisions include waiving filing fees for such petitions, providing simplified forms and clerical assistance for those without legal representation, and establishing a potential pilot program for electronic filing and audio-visual court appearances. The bill defines human trafficking specifically as violations related to involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, and trafficking in persons under the Criminal Code of 2012. The purpose is to protect trafficking victims and their families, minimize trauma associated with multiple court proceedings, and ensure victims' constitutional rights to protection. The bill specifies that these protective orders will follow civil procedure rules, with a preponderance of evidence standard, and no right to a jury trial. Petitions can be filed in the county where the victim resides, where the respondent resides, or where the trafficking occurred, and the bill provides flexible methods for serving summons and issuing protective orders.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1903&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104