SPRINGFIELD — Building on Illinois’ existing protections for sexual assault survivors, a new law led by State Senator Julie Morrison strengthens how hospitals provide care in the aftermath of an assault — ensuring survivors receive the timely treatment and support they need.

“We’ve heard heartbreaking stories from survivors who sought help and were turned away, told to travel far distances for support or were left without clear guidance on what to do next,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Updating our laws is about listening to those experiences — this is more than words on a page, it’s about making changes that have a real impact on real people.”

The new law builds on the work of the state’s Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Task Force, which was formed in 2018 to strengthen Illinois’ landmark sexual assault care law. Morrison partnered with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on the initiative, which focuses on removing barriers and ensuring hospitals provide timely and trauma-informed care to survivors.

The new law makes a number of updates to how hospitals respond to sexual assault cases, including directing the Illinois Department of Public Health to consider whether travel requirements for a survivor are reasonable when evaluating transfers. The law ensures area-wide hospital plans are responsive to the needs of their region and also expands reimbursement eligibility, allowing designated transfer hospitals to be reimbursed for treatment and follow-up care if a survivor chooses not to transfer for a forensic exam.

To facilitate survivor-centered care, the law increases training opportunities for medical professionals, particularly those providing care to pediatric survivors. Informed consent will now be required before evidence collection, and specific guidance will clarify when and how pediatric evidence may be collected and tested.

“Sexual assault survivors deserve care that is accessible, adheres to best practices to minimize additional trauma and contributes to justice being served in their cases,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “I thank Senator Morrison for her work on this important legislation, and I am committed to continuing to support survivors.”

Senate Bill 1602 was signed into law Aug. 15 and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.