Ellman backs SB3506 to revise Illinois statutes on sexual assault, juvenile records, crime victims' rights

State Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote on SB3506, a measure designed to modernize Illinois’ approach to sexual assault, juvenile records, and crime victims’ rights, during the 104th General Assembly session on May 31, 2026. The Illinois Senate recorded the bill’s passage with a 58-0 vote.

The official text for SB3506 references the initiative as "CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS."

Below is an explanation of the measure, based on the actual bill language and including interpretation intended to clarify its provisions.

This legislation makes several changes to existing Illinois laws addressing sexual assault, juvenile record confidentiality, victims’ rights, and address confidentiality. Effective Jan. 1, 2028, hospitals and approved pediatric facilities may use TeleSANE telehealth networks, allowing designated providers to remotely oversee sexual assault forensic exams while adhering to protocols for training, privacy, and technology access. The bill requires the redaction of identifying information for nonrequesting victims in juvenile proceedings involving multiple minor or sexual offense victims and prohibits excluding crime victims from any portion of trial proceedings unless a written motion is submitted at least 60 days before trial. Changes to the address confidentiality program include broader eligibility, allowing household members of nonvictim status to join, 4-year renewals, updated cancellation rules, and new attorney general authority for participant name changes.

The legislative record shows that the Senate concurred with House Floor Amendment No. 1 on SB3506.

Ellman earned a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College in 1987.

She was elected to the Illinois Senate from District 21 in 2019 as a Democrat, succeeding Michael Connelly.

Illinois bills move through a comprehensive legislative process that starts in either chamber, passes through committee hearings, debates, and floor votes in both the House and Senate prior to reaching the governor. The General Assembly operates on a two-year cycle, and while thousands of measures are submitted each session, only a small proportion pass and are enacted into law.