The Illinois Attorney General is hailing a new state law that will prevent hospitals from billing survivors of sexual assault for medical forensic exams.
Lisa Madigan, who pushed for the legislation, says it removes a barrier that may keep some rape victims from going to the hospital immediately after the crime.
Federal law requires Illinois to certify that survivors are not being billed for “rape kit” exams. That’s a condition of receiving federal funds.
Governor Bruce Rauner signed the law Monday. It brings the state into compliance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 2013.
The law was sponsored by Representative Michelle Mussman, a Schaumburg Democrat, and Senator Melinda Bush, a Grayslake Democrat. It goes into effect next year.
