A new state law will further protect victims of stalking and sexual assault.
Illinois’ Address Confidentiality Program is currently only available to survivors of domestic violence. But a law taking effect on January 1st adds stalking and sexual assault survivors as well. State Presentative Terry Costa Howard of Glen Ellyn says it lets them obtain an alternate address so it’s harder for their abuser to find them.
“I can’t imagine living with that fear that you are being watched or somebody can come and get you or your children or your parents. If this program can help at least one person we have done our job,” said Howard.
The program keeps the victim’s real address out of the public record and the substitute address can be used on their driver’s license or ID card. First-class mail sent to that address will be forwarded. Survivors who are interested can apply to the Address Confidentiality Program online at IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov.
January first also marks an increase in the minimum wage to $11 an hour.
Another new law will cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin on state-regulated commercial insurance plans at $100 for a 30-day supply.
Illinois law enforcement agencies can now collect DNA samples of a missing person’s family members in an effort to create a reference sample.
Drivers will now be allowed to register their cars for a two year period instead of one. However, due to COVID-19 the Secretary of State’s office is not ready to implement the change due to needed computer upgrades.
