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Bill > SB1470


IL SB1470

IL SB1470
DHS-STATEWIDE DV HOTLINE


summary

Introduced
01/31/2025
In Committee
01/31/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

104th General Assembly

Bill Summary

Amends the Domestic Violence Shelters Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall be responsible for the provision of a single, easy to use telephone number for public access to information and referral for domestic violence services. Authorizes the Department to identify and enter into a contract with a lead entity to provide governance and oversight, including the ability to design, implement, support, and coordinate a State-wide Domestic Violence Hotline system. Provides that the lead entity must: (i) have the ability to provide statewide, toll-free, 24-hour, 7 day-a-week, multi-lingual, confidential referral services to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and information to people calling on behalf of a victim, including friends or family of the domestic violence victim and first responders such as the police; (ii) have a record of providing effective, victim-centered referral services to victims of domestic violence for at least 2 years prior to the effective date of the amendatory Act; (iii) be an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit agency or organization; (iv) provide the most up-to-date technology to increase access to domestic violence services for the deaf and hard of hearing; and (v) have other specified qualifications. Requires the lead entity to provide periodic programmatic and fiscal reports on activities, accomplishments, and other issues to the Department. Requires the Department to ensure, prior to awarding a contract, that the Domestic Violence Hotline lead entity has the organizational capacity to carry out the terms of the contract.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Domestic Violence Shelters Act to establish a statewide Domestic Violence Hotline managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill requires DHS to create a single, easy-to-use telephone number that provides 24/7, toll-free, multi-lingual, and confidential referral services for domestic violence victims, perpetrators, and those calling on their behalf, including friends, family, and first responders. The department is authorized to contract with a lead entity (an Illinois 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) to manage the hotline, with specific qualifications including at least two years of experience providing victim-centered referral services, 40 hours of domestic violence training for staff, ability to provide accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and capability to make direct referrals to domestic violence service providers. The lead entity must also provide periodic programmatic and fiscal reports to DHS and ensure comprehensive support for domestic violence victims, including safety planning, service exploration, and referrals, with particular attention to serving remote areas and non-English speakers. The bill aims to create a centralized, accessible resource for individuals seeking help and information related to domestic violence services across Illinois.

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Graciela Guzmán (on 04/09/2025)

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