Illinois Lawmakers Pass ‘Karina’s Bill,’ Aiming to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors
The Bill’s Origin
The bill, named “Karina’s Bill,” passed the Illinois House of Representatives by an 80-33 margin. The legislation aims to offer more protection for victims of domestic abuse by requiring law enforcement to confiscate guns within 96 hours from people who have an order of protection granted against them.
A Tragic Inspiration
The bill is named after Karina Gonzalez, a mother from Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood who was shot and killed along with her daughter by her husband, Jose Alvarez, in 2023. Alvarez, who had an order of protection granted against him before the deadly attack, has since been charged in their murder. Gonzalez’s son, Jesús “Manny” Alvarez was also shot, but managed to escape. He’s since put his pain to purpose and advocated for the bill named after his mother.
A Life of Advocacy
Gonzalez’s family has been affected by domestic violence, and they are now advocating for change. “The important thing now is making sure it gets handled correctly and it actually goes and does what it’s supposed to do,” Manny told NBC 5 reporter Courtney Sisk after the Bill passed. “My mom was really hard working no matter the circumstances she was in, my sister was a really good scholar, I know they would be proud to know they were able to make change without being here.”
Implementing the Change
Amanda Pyron, the president of The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, was in Springfield with Manny when the bill passed. “We owe survivors a strong implementation so that once it’s signed, we are monitoring cases in the courts to make sure survivors have access to the protections this bill affords,” Pyron said. Pyron added that her team is already working on implementation strategies.
The Road Ahead
The bill now heads to the desk of Governor J.B. Pritzker for final approval. If approved, it will help to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the protection they deserve.
Resources Available
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the Illinois Department of Human Services offers a 24/7 hotline to help connect you to resources throughout the state. That number is 1-877-863-6338. It is toll free, multilingual, and confidential.
Conclusion
The passing of “Karina’s Bill” is a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors in Illinois. With implementation strategies already in place, survivors can expect increased protection and support. As this legislation moves forward, it is crucial that we continue to advocate for the rights of those affected by domestic violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the bill do?
A: The bill requires law enforcement to confiscate guns within 96 hours from people who have an order of protection granted against them.
Q: What inspired the bill?
A: The bill was inspired by the tragic death of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter at the hands of her husband, who had an order of protection granted against him.
Q: What’s next for the bill?
A: The bill now heads to the desk of Governor J.B. Pritzker for final approval.
