Yang Rohr backs HB3393 to revise testimony rules for child victims in Illinois courts
Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-41st) cast a Yes vote for HB3393, legislation altering courtroom testimony procedures for child victims, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, with the Illinois House recording unanimous passage at 115-0.
The legislation's official summary identifies the measure as: "CRIM PRO--SPEEDY TRIAL TOLL."
The following is an interpretation intended to clarify the language and impact of the legislation.
This bill updates the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure to change guidelines on testimony for specific victims in certain criminal cases. It eliminates the automatic presumption that children under 13 should provide testimony via closed circuit television outside the courtroom and instead authorizes judges to order this measure if a child under 18 or an individual with certain disabilities risks severe emotional distress by testifying in court. If a judge denies the motion, the State may seek a 30-day postponement of speedy trial provisions to revisit the request. The law outlines who may be present during remote testimony, permits defendants to communicate with counsel electronically, and requires the court to ensure this process is not prejudicial to the defendant. These updates pertain to prosecutions beginning after the enactment of this measure.
The legislative action on HB3393 was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'
Rohr is a Northwestern University alumna (BA, 2002) and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2010.
She was first elected to the Illinois House in 2021 for the 41st District as a Democrat, succeeding former Rep. Grant Wehrli.
In Illinois, bills advance through a multi-step legislative process beginning with introduction in either legislative chamber, encompassing committee scrutiny, floor debates, and approval in both houses, before being presented to the governor. The legislative session runs biennially, and while lawmakers file thousands of bills each session, only a small percentage complete the process to become law.