Issue Position: Criminal Justice Reform
Issue Position
SEEKING JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
When Rep. Zalewski discovered that some survivors of sexual assault would never see their attackers brought to justice because of a legal loophole, he worked to give police and prosecutors more time to put dangerous rapists behind bars, passing legislation ensuring that the time period to file criminal charges in sexual assault cases does not begin until all evidence has been analyzed. House Bill 369 passed the General Assembly.
Survivors of sexual assault face unimaginable pain, and Rep. Zalewski believes we must do everything we can to help them put their lives back together. He passed legislation prohibiting hospitals from billing rape victims for emergency care or the cost of processing evidence, because medical bills should never add to the burden of victims who have already suffered so much. House Bill 3848 passed the General Assembly.
Working alongside the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center and the Illinois State's Attorneys Association, Zalewski introduced Senate Bill 1389 in the House, which gives the court permission to allow assistance dogs in the courtroom to help victims testify who are less than 18 years old or have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Illinois is now the first state to statutorily authorize the process. These assistance dogs have undergone specialized training by the Assistance Dogs International, an assistance dog organization that promotes excellence in regard to dog acquisition, training and partnership. House Bill 1389 was signed into law.
PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
As prescription drug abuse continues to be a struggling addiction for some Illinoisans, Rep. Zalewski has taken the initiative on finding ways to combat the epidemic and deter prescription drug theft. House Bill 3219, which Zalewski introduced, implements a pilot program for distributing drugs with a high potential for abuse in a non-reusable, combination locking "lid." This measure will help prevent addictive prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands. House Bill 3219 passed the General Assembly.
Source