The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is pleased that the Illinois General Assembly has unanimously voted Senate Bill 1547 out of both chambers and encourages Governor Rauner to sign it into law as soon as possible. The bill prevents local governments from enacting or enforcing ordinances that punish tenants for calling 911 in response to domestic or sexual violence, or for crimes committed against them, or on behalf of an individual with a disability. The legislation was introduced as a response to local ordinances that treat police calls as “nuisances”— penalizing residents or landlords when police are called to their property. These ordinances send a victim-blaming message to survivors of domestic violence and discourage them from seeking help.
"No one should have to choose between keeping their home and calling the police for help," said ACLU of Illinois staff attorney Amy Meek. “By signing SB 1547 into law, Governor Rauner can assure that this no longer needs to be a fear for citizens in Illinois.”
