WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2548

PROHIBIT AT-HOME ASSAULT KITS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt and 9 co-sponsors

Illinois bans sale of self-administered sexual assault evidence collection kits; survivors gain private lawsuits, damages, and penalties for violators; effective Jan 1, 2026.

Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0235
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2548

Summary — HB 2548 (Public Act 104-0235)

Short title: Self‑Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Ban Act
Enacted: Public Act 104‑0235 (Governor approved Aug 15, 2025) — Effective Jan 1, 2026

Purpose

To prohibit the sale and distribution in Illinois of “self‑administered sexual assault evidence collection kits” — products marketed to let a non‑medical person collect physical evidence of a sexual assault — and to provide civil remedies and enforcement mechanisms for violations.

Key provisions

  • Definition: A “self‑administered sexual assault evidence collection kit” means materials advertised or marketed as a means for a person, other than a medical professional, to collect physical evidence of a sexual assault.
  • Prohibition (815 ILCS 505/2HHHH new): It is an unlawful practice to sell, market, promote, advertise, or otherwise distribute such kits to consumers in Illinois.
  • Private right of action (venue: circuit court where alleged offense occurred or where a party resides):
    • Aggrieved persons may sue individually or as a class.
    • Remedies include: compensatory damages equal to any payments made to the seller (refund), punitive damages up to $1,000 per violation, and recovery of attorney’s fees and costs.
  • Government enforcement:
    • Attorney General or the county State’s Attorney may seek injunctive relief, civil penalties up to $1,500 per violation, and other appropriate relief.
    • State’s Attorneys must notify the Attorney General upon commencing actions and mail copies of any judgments/orders to the AG.

Who is affected

  • Prohibited targets: manufacturers, sellers, promoters, advertisers, and distributors of self‑administered sexual assault evidence kits (including online/retail vendors serving Illinois consumers).
  • Consumers and survivors: will no longer have commercially distributed self‑collection kits available in Illinois; survivors seeking evidence collection will continue to rely on medical professionals and established forensic services.
  • Government: AG offices and county State’s Attorneys tasked with enforcement.

Procedural/timeline highlights

  • Introduced: Feb 4–6, 2025 (House)
  • Passed both chambers: May 22, 2025
  • Sent to Governor: June 20, 2025
  • Governor approved: Aug 15, 2025 (Public Act 104‑0235)
  • Effective date: January 1, 2026
  • Companion bill: SB 2714

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Commercial: manufacturers and retailers of such kits will need to cease sales and marketing into Illinois or face civil liability and state enforcement.
  • Public health/forensics: removes a commercial pathway for self‑collection, reinforcing reliance on clinical forensic evidence collection by health care professionals; may affect access discussions for survivors in remote areas.
  • Litigation risk: sellers face private lawsuits (including class actions) with statutory remedies and state civil penalties.

This summary focuses on substantive legal changes and practical effects of the statute as enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.