(The Center Square) – Illinois ranks among the highest in the number of human trafficking cases in the entire country and now lawmakers are taking action.
The Illinois House passed Senate Bill 2323 unanimously that would establish a strategic plan to build a network of services for trafficking survivors and better identify victims. The Senate passed the bill unanimously last month.
State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, the bill’s sponsor, said law enforcement agencies and court officials will work together to combat human trafficking.
“This is part of looking at it holistically, multi-jurisdictional, and ensuring that no matter where the trafficking occurs,” said Williams Thursday. “Sometimes, sadly, the survivors are moved across jurisdiction lines so this will ensure a streamlined approach, be more effective and more able to address these heinous crimes.”
The legislation also would remove the 25-year time limit for victims to bring a lawsuit against their abuser.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified more than 5,600 victims in Illinois since 2007.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said to combat human trafficking, it must be brought out in the open.
“Labor and sex trafficking exists in Illinois but victims are not identified as well as they should be and crimes often go unreported,” Kelly said during a news conference in March.
The ISP Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted seven human trafficking demand suppression operations in 2024, resulting in 31 arrests and 90 criminal charges.
The measure, which can now be sent to the governor, places the Department of Children and Family Services in charge of initiating prevention efforts and coordinating services.
