summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Illinois Police Training Act. Provides that State police officers and local police officers shall receive training in homicide investigations in which the victims were suspected of being subject to domestic abuse. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that every coroner, whenever, as soon as he or she knows or is informed that the dead body of any person is found, or lying within his or her county, whose death is suspected of being a death, if the circumstances surrounding the death is known or suspected as due to suicide and affords a reasonable basis to suspect that the death was caused by or related to the domestic violence of another, in consultation with a board-certified forensic pathologist certified by the American Board of Pathology, shall go to the place where the dead body is and take charge of the same and shall make a preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the death. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Adds the Investigation of Homicides of Decedents with Identifiable History of Being Victimized by Domestic Violence Article to the Code. Provides that prior to making any findings as to the manner and cause of death of a deceased individual with an identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence, and with the presence of 3 or more specified factors, law enforcement investigators shall interview family members, such as parents, siblings, or other close friends or relatives of the decedent with relevant information regarding that history of domestic violence. Lists those factors that law enforcement investigators must consider in those investigations. Provides that sworn law enforcement personnel investigating a death if it has been determined that the decedent has an identifiable history of being victimized by domestic violence shall be current in their training related to domestic violence incidents, including training required pursuant to the Illinois State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois or the Illinois Police Training Act. Defines terms. Amends the Autopsy Act to make conforming changes.
AI Summary
This bill addresses the investigation of deaths potentially related to domestic violence by enhancing training, investigative procedures, and support for families. It requires State police and local law enforcement officers to receive specialized training on identifying potential domestic violence-related homicides, including recognizing specific indicators such as premature death, suspicious death scenes, relationship dynamics, and history of abuse. The bill mandates that coroners and law enforcement conduct more comprehensive investigations when a death is suspected to be linked to domestic violence, including interviewing family members, consulting forensic pathologists, and considering ten specific "red flag" markers. Sworn law enforcement must now be current in domestic violence incident training, and families of potential domestic violence homicide victims will have access to victim services and the right to request investigation records. The legislation aims to prevent premature conclusions about deaths, particularly suicides, and ensure a more thorough and trauma-informed approach to investigating suspicious deaths with potential domestic violence connections. Importantly, the bill defines key terms like "domestic violence" and "partner" and provides guidelines for when and how these enhanced investigative procedures should be applied, while also preserving law enforcement agencies' investigative discretion.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (15)
Craig Wilcox (R)*,
Li Arellano (R),
Chris Balkema (R),
Terri Bryant (R),
Javier Cervantes (D),
Andrew Chesney (R),
Don DeWitte (R),
Mary Edly-Allen (D),
Paul Faraci (D),
Mattie Hunter (D),
Adriane Johnson (D),
Mike Porfirio (D),
Jil Tracy (R),
Sally Turner (R),
Rachel Ventura (D),
Last Action
Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As March 27, 2026 (on 03/13/2026)
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