House Bill 5465 builds on a law passed last year by creating an easier process for child victims of trafficking to have their juvenile records expunged or sealed as a result of any criminal acts they were forced to take part in while being abused.
“Victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, especially children, represent our most vulnerable, and we need to do everything we can to help them through their recovery process,” said Keicher. “I believe one of the first steps in that process is ensuring their past doesn’t follow them around, and that’s exactly what HB 5465 helps us do.”
Improving support for victims of abuse has been something personal for Keicher since joining the General Assembly, as a family member who was abused as a child tragically died due to a lack of resources to help victims recover.
Sen. Harriss, who carried the legislation through the Senate, said, “As a governing body, we have a duty to protect our children and pass legislation to help keep them safe. We must create pathways for victim-survivors of human trafficking as they seek to recover from trauma endured to pursue the most normal life possible.”
Having passed both chambers unanimously, Keicher and Harriss look forward to HB 5465 being signed into law by the Governor.
Keicher and Harriss also stressed how important it is to raise awareness about human trafficking by requesting that members of the media and public utilize the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 888-373-7888, to report any suspected trafficking taking place in our communities.
Rep. Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.
Senator Harriss serves the 56th District, which includes portions of Madison and St. Clair counties.