Kifowit Supported-Legislation Increasing Protections for Domestic Violence Victims Takes Effect

AURORA, Ill. – Beginning January 1, victims of domestic violence will have additional safeguards thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, which allows GPS tracking of people charged with domestic violence or kidnapping-related crimes.

“Victims have faced the prospect of having those accused of committing violence against them released, only to cause further harm before they even face the consequences of their first offense,” Kifowit said. “Placing suspects under electronic surveillance can give victims an additional layer of security and the notification they deserve.”

Previously, judges could require people who violate an order of protection to wear a GPS tracking device. Kifowit co-sponsored House Bill 3744, which now gives judges the ability to require GPS tracking of people charged with domestic battery or kidnapping-related crimes as a condition of bail. A judge can do so even if the accused has not violated an order of protection. The violent crimes covered under this act include: felony domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint, aggravated unlawful restraint and attempted first degree murder.

“I would like to thank Rep. Kifowit for sponsoring this bill, House Bill 3744,” Executive Director Michelle Meyer of Mutual Ground, Inc. said. “It is my hope that this legislation will further protect domestic violence victims from perpetrators of violent crimes.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or visit www.ILDistrict84.com.