SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers passed a bill in the final days of session to protect survivors of domestic violence from digital harassment and surveillance.

The plan could update the state's definition of harassment to include conduct like doxxing, electronic tracking, repeated surveillance and digitally altered sexual images.

Sponsors said the bill also allows survivors to request a remote order of protection hearing so they don't have to be in the same room as their abuser.

"Abusers often use technology to stalk, monitor and maintain control over their victims," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan). "That is why we must empower survivors by allowing them to use the court to hold their abusers to account."

The legislation also allows domestic violence survivors to expand their order of protection as long as necessary even if that means indefinitely. 

Senate Bill 3020 gained strong bipartisan support in both chambers. 

Another plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help close gaps in protection for survivors of domestic violence and stalking. Sponsors and advocates believe Illinois should ensure emergency orders of protection remain in effect until the final order of protection has been served.

This comes as many survivors are harassed and threatened under the current system, where emergency orders are no longer in effect after a judge grants a plenary order.

"We want to make sure that those survivors have the security that is intended and was granted to them by the court," said Jennifer Welch from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "Delays in service can leave the victim unprotected and make it more difficult for law enforcement and the legal system to respond to abuse, harm and harassment."

Senate Bill 3044 received unanimous support in both chambers. 

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