SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa to protect individuals from exploitation while interacting with law enforcement was signed into law on Friday.
“Our laws must recognize the vulnerability of individuals when they interact with law enforcement, particularly individuals who are survivors of sex trafficking or involved in the sex trade industry,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Law enforcement practices must change to prevent further violence and implementing equitable policies to address misconduct in these situations will do so.”
The new law requires law enforcement agencies to create and adopt polices prohibiting officers from engaging in sexual conduct with a suspect while investigating prostitution and requires the Illinois State Police, local law enforcement and circuit court clerks to automatically seal all prior arrest and court records related to felony prostitution charges.
The law also changes references to sex work-related offenses throughout state law to update terminology to acknowledge the exploitation of minors.
Prior to the adoption of the new law, it was illegal for officers to engage in sexual misconduct with a suspect; however, the new law allows for proper disciplinary action by requiring law enforcement agencies to develop and enact polices against sexual misconduct and sexual violence.
“Establishing measures of accountability for law enforcement ensures that we are taking the necessary steps to secure the safety and dignity of those incarcerated for prostitution and survivors of sex trafficking,” said Villa. “Adjusting how our law enforcement systems respond to commercial sexual exploitation is needed to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people across our state.”
House Bill 4410 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect July 1, 2025.
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