DeKalb Times

Legislation filed by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) to help child victims of human trafficking heal and move on with their lives following their trauma has been signed into law by the Governor. The legislation, House Bill 5465, passed through both houses of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously.

“Victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, especially children, represent our most vulnerable, and we need to do everything we can to help them through their recovery process,” said Keicher. “House Bill 5465 builds on a law we passed last year by creating an easier process for child victims of trafficking to have their juvenile records expunged or sealed as a result of any criminal acts they were forced to take part in while being abused.”

Improving support for victims of abuse has been personal for Keicher since joining the General Assembly, as a family member who was abused as a child tragically died due to a lack of resources to help victims recover.

“One of the first steps in helping someone heal after immense trauma like sexual abuse is ensuring their past doesn’t follow them around, and I believe HB 5465 is an important component of helping victims heal,” said Keicher. “I’m thankful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agreed and that the Governor has signed the bill into law.”

State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) carried the legislation in the Senate and added, “It’s extremely important that we work together to strengthen legislation so that our children are even better protected. My hope is that this new law will help ease some of the pain that child victims of human trafficking face as they navigate the challenges of everyday life.”

Keicher has also consistently stressed how important it is to raise awareness about this issue by requesting that members of the media and public utilize the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 888-373-7888, to report any suspected trafficking taking place in our communities.

Rep. Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.