Bill
SB 4009
SB4009 expands DNA and data sharing for missing persons/unidentified remains, speeding CODIS/NAMUS entries and mandating proactive, policy-based investigations.
Title: MISSING PERSONS IDENTIFICATION
Jurisdiction: Illinois
Proposed by: Sen. Michael E. Hastings
Status: Introduced February 6, 2026; referred to assignments/criminal law; latest action Rule 3-9(a) re-referred to Assignments (as of 4/24/2026). Co-sponsor: Mike Hastings.
Purpose and intent
- To update and expand the Missing Persons Identification Act (50 ILCS 722) to enhance the collection, processing, and use of DNA, dental, fingerprint, and other identifying information in missing person and unidentified remains cases.
- Aims to streamline identification, improve interagency data sharing (including NAMUS, CODIS, SDIS, NDIS), and strengthen obligations around proactive reporting and ongoing investigation until a missing person is located.
Key provisions and changes (substantive)
1) DNA sampling and relatives
- If a missing person’s biological samples are unavailable, samples may be obtained from any biological relatives (not strictly “closely related” individuals). Relatives’ samples must be provided voluntarily, with complete consent and information forms submitted with the samples.
- When DNA samples are collected for a missing person case, they must be submitted to an accredited forensic laboratory for DNA testing for entry by a CODIS-participating laboratory (or an accredited lab with similar database entry capabilities) within 90 days of the police report.
2) DNA entry for unidentified remains
- DNA profiles from remains of unidentified individuals collected by a coroner/medical examiner or assisting agency must be entered into CODIS (not just state/national index systems) within 90 days of discovery.
3) Definitions and policy updates
- Requires law enforcement to adopt a policy on missing person investigations, reporting, and follow-up actions.
- Reinforces that agencies may not delay accepting missing person reports for any reason and must accept all missing person reports promptly for both adults and minors, with several explicit no-refusal grounds (e.g., no foul play indicated, age, jurisdiction, etc.).
4) Expanded data collection at report intake
- Mandatory collection of extensive identifying information at intake (e.g., name, alt names, DOB, physical characteristics, photographs, clothing, devices, last contact, etc.), including details on possible abductors and transportation.
- Informs reporting individuals about NamUs or NCMEC resources based on age.
5) Follow-up and NamUs/LEADS/NDIS integration
- If not located within 30-60 days, agencies may create NamUs entries and request additional materials (DNA from relatives or the missing person, dental records, fingerprints, photos, etc.).
- Requires submission of DNA samples to NamUs partner laboratories when applicable, with potential upload to NDIS.
- Prioritizes procedures for DNA analysis prioritization and limits retention of samples from relatives unless a court warrant exists.
6) High-risk missing persons
- Introduces and defines a “high-risk missing person” with criteria (e.g., abduction, suspicious circumstances, age under 21, known risk factors, long-term disappearance) and requires prompt risk assessment and rapid database updates (LEADS, NCIC, NamUs).
- For high-risk cases, enhanced data sharing, notification, and Amber/Endangered Missing Person Alert procedures are triggered.
7) Unidentified remains
- Strengthens procedures for unidentified remains: rapid collection of photographs, dental and skeletal radiographs, fingerprints, DNA, and other identifying data; mandatory NamUs/NCIC entries; ongoing identification efforts; and prohibitions on cremation of unidentified remains.
- Requires careful chain-of-custody and case numbering (DNA log numbers) and ensures indefinite maintenance of NCIC NamUs records for unidentified cases.
8) Data integrity and training
- Requires trained personnel for medical/dental record entry into state and federal databases; collaboration with forensic experts (odontologists, anthropologists) when necessary.
Impact and who is affected
- Law enforcement agencies: broader authority to collect and submit DNA from relatives; mandatory rapid reporting and data entry; required interagency coordination with NamUs, CODIS, SDIS, NDIS, and NCIC.
- Forensic laboratories: new timelines (90 days) for CODIS entry and NamUs NDIS integration; prioritization procedures.
- Families and missing persons: more proactive collection and sharing of DNA and identifying information, with emphasis on voluntary participation and privacy safeguards.
- Unidentified remains: strengthened identification workflow, including dental and DNA analysis, NamUs/NCIC entries, and prevention of cremation before identification.
Timeline and procedural notes
- DNA sample submission deadlines: 90 days from police report for missing persons; 90 days from discovery for unidentified remains to CODIS/NDIS.
- NamUs/LEADS/NCIC data entry: within 30-45 days after report, with 60-day NamUs follow-up for certain materials; high-risk cases have shorter timelines (30 days) for NamUs submission.
- 60-day threshold triggers NamUs entry for high-risk cases and broader data-sharing requirements.
Overall
SB4009 broadens and accelerates identification efforts for missing persons and unidentified remains in Illinois. It expands who may provide DNA, tightens timelines for database entry, strengthens interagency information sharing, and formalizes policy requirements for missing person investigations, with particular emphasis on high-risk cases and robust use of NamUs, CODIS, and related systems.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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