Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 3713, has been signed into law, marking a significant expansion of the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program. This program, managed by the Attorney General's office, provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes and their families, covering expenses such as medical bills, funeral costs, relocation expenses, and lost wages.
SB 3713, developed in collaboration with organizations like Ascend Justice and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, aims to make the compensation process more accessible by broadening eligibility and expanding the range of reimbursable expenses. The law is particularly focused on supporting survivors of community and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, who often face significant financial burdens as a result of their victimization.
Sen. Robert Peters and State Rep. Maurice A. West, II, who sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the diverse and often long-term impacts of violent crime on victims' lives. By expanding the definitions of who qualifies for compensation and what can be covered, the law seeks to create a more empathetic and comprehensive support system for victims.
Attorney General Raoul praised the legislation as a critical step toward helping victims rebuild their lives, and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for increased services and resources for those affected by violent crime. This law is part of Raoul’s broader efforts to enhance support for victims across Illinois, ensuring they have the resources needed to recover and move forward.