NEWS FROM
Jil Tracy
State Representative
93rd District

Jil Tracy Introduces Bill to Generate Additional Revenue for Domestic Violence Programs and Services

For Immediate Release:                                                                        October 16, 2006
Contact:           Rep. Tracy
                        217-223-0833

Quincy, IL…. State Representative Jil Tracy today filed a bill that will help raise more money for domestic violence shelter programs and services. 

“Domestic violence cannot be tolerated or ignored,” said Tracy.  “I am pleased to introduce new legislation that is expected to provide an additional 250 beds for victims of domestic violence by increasing the supplemental fines imposed upon the abuser.”

Current law requires a $10.00 dollar fine to be levied upon all persons adjudicated or convicted for domestic violence offenses. This $10.00 fine is used to fund the Domestic Violence Shelter and Service Fund. 

“Acts of domestic violence are so damaging because its victims are being hurt by a spouse, sibling, parent or other family member - someone they should be able to trust and feel secure around.    I don’t believe a $10 dollar fine is significant enough to compensate for that breech of trust.  That is why I am calling for an increase in this fine from $10.00 to $200.00,” said Tracy.

According to Tracy, the increase mirrors the existing fine levied on persons who perpetrate a variety of existing violent offenses (including, but not limited to, domestic battery).

“Sheltering a domestic violence victim costs the State $40,000 per bed per year.  This increased fine on domestic violence offenses will help provide for an increased appropriation of $10 million and will enable another 250 victims of domestic violence to get the care and protection they need,” Tracy added.

House Bill 5845 has been filed and is expected to be considered during the upcoming spring session scheduled to begin in January. 

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