The first piece of what's known as "Molly's Law" has passed the Illinois House.
State Representative Terri Bryant, the sponsor of the bill, says changing the statute of limitations in wrongful death cases would have helped the family of Molly Young.
"This family received no justice when they got to civil court, because the statute of limitations had run out. By no fault of their own. The statute of limitations is currently two years. This legislation changes the statute of limitations from two years to five years."
Bryant says additional time would have allowed Molly Young's father, Larry, to get more information about his daughter's death that could have been used in a wrongful death case.
"This piece of legislation just gives what is right and what is just. It doesn't change the reasons for getting there, it just gives them a little more time to make all of that happen."
The second part of "Molly's Law," which changes penalties within the Freedom of Information Act, is expected to be heard in committee this week.
