South Central Reporter

Senator Jason Plummer shared an update on legislation to help victims of human trafficking, stating, "House Bill 5465 enhances previous legislation by simplifying the process for child trafficking victims to expunge or seal juvenile records resulting from any compelled criminal actions while under abuse." He made the statement in an August 4 Facebook post.

"House Bill 5465 enhances previous legislation by simplifying the process for child trafficking victims to expunge or seal juvenile records resulting from any compelled criminal actions while under abuse," said Robert Jason Plummer, State Senator, according to Facebook. "Senate Republicans are actively promoting awareness about human trafficking and urge anyone with information on potential cases to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 to report suspicious activities in their communities."

According to the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 5465 will give human trafficking victims the opportunity to have their criminal records expunged, sealed, or vacated, and juvenile law enforcement records sealed if the individual was involved in the crime as a result of human trafficking. The bill was filed on February 9 by Representative Jeff Keicher, passed the House on April 17, and arrived in the state Senate on April 18. It passed on May 16 and was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on July 19. The new law, known as Public Act 103-0717, will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Screenshot of Senator Jason Plummer's August 4 Facebook post | Senator Jason Plummer's Facebook page

In January, ABC7 reported on a study from Shared Hope International that gave Illinois a failing grade for its handling of child sex and human trafficking. The annual report card awarded the state a B for criminal provisions but an F in multiple areas, including continued care for victims and prevention and training for law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies.

ABC7 also noted that the Illinois Office of Management and Budget stated just over $115 million was allocated to support services for gender-based violence, including human trafficking – but only $100,000 goes to services dedicated to victims of human trafficking. That represents just one percent.

ABC7 included the state's response to the Shared Hope International Report: "What they failed to mention is that under Governor Pritzker's leadership, the State of Illinois has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in our domestic violence and human trafficking prevention infrastructure. Since 2018, DHS has broadened the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program to include cash assistance and food assistance to non-citizen Victims of Trafficking, Torture, or Other Serious Crimes (VTTC), with $185 million allotted to TANF in FY24 alone. DHS also requires that hotels and lodging establishments must train employees on recognition of human trafficking and protocols for reporting this activity to the proper authorities. Employees are required to complete trainings within six months of being hired and every two years after. These efforts also include robust funding for domestic violence shelters, education and awareness trainings for young people through DCFS, and specialized services for survivors of human trafficking."