IL Senate passes bill providing taxi, rideshare vouchers for sexual assault survivor healthcare

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday to allow sexual assault survivors to use vouchers to pay for taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

Illinois currently requires treatment hospitals to provide vouchers to pay for ambulance, forensic, lab, and follow-up healthcare services for survivors. However, this legislation could allow people to use the voucher to help get transportation to and from hospitals or other treatment centers.

The Illinois Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force told sponsors rideshare services are a helpful option to provide support for survivors.

"Expanding what this voucher can be used for is a small but impactful change that can make a significant difference in a survivor's healing journey," said Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). "We should do all we can to help remove obstacles for individuals during a difficult time."

The proposal passed unanimously out of the Senate Thursday. Senate Bill 1274 now moves to the House for further consideration.

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 31.