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HB 3710

Relating to the Ten Commandments.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Werner Reschke

Victims reporting crimes gain a right to fair, respectful treatment and to be free from deception during investigations.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3710

Summary — HB 3710 / Public Act 104-0326 (CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS)

Overview / Purpose

HB 3710 amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act (725 ILCS 120/4) to strengthen protections for people who report being crime victims during the investigatory stage of a criminal matter. The principal change establishes that victims have the right to be treated with fairness and respect during investigations and specifically to be free from deception by law enforcement. The measure was enacted as Public Act 104‑0326, approved by the Governor on August 15, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new explicit right (subsection 1.1): when a person reports being a crime victim, they have the right to be treated with fairness and respect during the investigatory process, including the right to be free from deception — defined in the Act as the knowing communication of false facts about evidence during interviews and conversations with law enforcement.
  • Reaffirms and restates several existing victim protections, including:
    • Right to written notice/explanation of victims’ rights within 48 hours of law enforcement’s initial contact, with information on victim compensation and referrals (subsection b).
    • Right to receive a free copy of the police report upon request, delivered “as soon as practicable” but no later than 5 business days from the request (subsection b-5).
    • Rights to timely notification of court proceedings, communication with the prosecution, presence at court proceedings, notice of conviction/sentence/release, restitution, and protection from the accused.
    • Right to notice and a hearing before a court rules on access to victims’ privileged/confidential records (subsection 1.5).
    • Limitation on entering DNA profiles into DNA databases when the profile was collected solely because the person is a crime victim, subject to certain statutory exceptions and federal rules (subsection 1.6).
    • Right to retain counsel and to have an advocate/support person present.

Who is affected

  • Primary: individuals who report being crime victims in Illinois — their interactions with law enforcement during investigations.
  • Secondary: law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and victim advocacy organizations (responsible for implementing notification, report-provision, and conduct policies).
  • May affect training, policies, and investigative practices of police and other agencies to avoid deceptive communications with victims.

Implementation & timeline

  • Introduced by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy (filed Feb 7 / introduced Mar 4, 2025).
  • Passed both chambers (House and Senate) in May 2025; sent to Governor June 20, 2025.
  • Governor approved Aug 15, 2025. Effective date: January 1, 2026.
  • Companion bill: SB 2173.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Requires agencies to revise policies and training to ensure victims are not subjected to intentional false statements about evidence during victim interviews.
  • Could give victims a basis to complain or seek remedies if agencies knowingly communicate false facts to them; scope and remedies would depend on existing enforcement mechanisms under the Act and case law.
  • Does not address investigative techniques directed at suspects (the provision applies when a person reports being a victim).

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

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