- Published: Thursday, June 16, 2022 10:10 AM
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To remove barriers to justice for survivors of sexual assault, a new law strengthening the legal definition of consent, sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie, was signed on Thursday.
“Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This measure removes a loophole that should never have existed and allows survivors to seek justice.”
House Bill 5441 clarifies the existing definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by adding that the survivor remains unable to consent if they voluntarily consumed an intoxicating substance. Under current interpretation, the offender must have provided the intoxicating substance to the survivor to be held responsible for a sexual assault.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To prevent unused prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands or polluting the environment, State Senator Ann Gillespie supported legislation that was signed into law on Friday that establishes a statewide drug take-back program.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address gun violence as a public health crisis and increase coordination amongst state agencies, State Senator Ann Gillespie supported a gun violence prevention measure that was signed into law on Friday.
SPRINGFIELD – To recognize the critical role of women in U.S. Armed Forces, State Senators Ann Gillespie and Jil Tracy, co-chairs of the Senate Women’s Caucus, sponsored a resolution declaring June 12 as Women’s Veterans Day in Illinois.
