SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan into law Tuesday to close gaps in protection for survivors of domestic violence and stalking.

Sponsors said Illinois should ensure emergency orders of protection stay in effect until the final order has been served. 

Many survivors are harassed and threatened under the current system, where emergency orders are not 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."

Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) was inspired to file this plan after a constituent told his office about the troubling loophole. Elizabeth Malone was granted a no-contact stalking order after a year of being harassed and threatened, but she said the system she trusted failed to protect her.

"When my harassment continued, law enforcement was not able to intervene as there was no order on file, because by then my emergency order had expired and the respondent had not yet been served the final order," Malone explained.

Senate Bill 3044 received unanimous support in both chambers. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2028. 

"This bill would mean protection for victims of abuse remains fully enforceable and protects survivors from dangerous loopholes and paperwork timing," Stadelman said. "The intent is clear — Domestic violence victims deserve protection all the way through the process."

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