HB 2493 expands employment protections for those who have lost loved ones to violence

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pritzker signed HB 2493 into law, which reforms the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). This new law expands eligibility for family members who have lost loved ones to violence, for those who are not otherwise eligible for bereavement leave under other laws. Victims would now have 10 days of unpaid leave to grieve or make funeral arrangements, helping survivors heal and putting an end to cycles of victimization. HB 2493 is sponsored by Rep. Aaron Ortiz and Sen. Robert Peters, and was supported by crime survivors across the state. Aditi Singh, Illinois state director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice, released the following statement: “We cannot have true safety in our communities without including the needs and voices of crime survivors. Last week's signing of HB 2493 affirms Illinois' commitment to ensuring crime victims have what they need to heal from loss and stop cycles of victimization. Victims of violence should never have to choose between their livelihood and their own recovery. This bill will help countless victims heal as they mourn their loved ones, and provides crucial help in their time of need. We thank Representative Ortiz and Senator Peters for standing with us as we work to make a safer and stronger Illinois, and we thank Governor Pritzker for signing this bill into law.” The full text of the bill can be read here. About the Alliance for Safety and Justice The Alliance for Safety and Justice is a national organization that aims to win evidence-based new safety priorities in states across the country. It also brings together diverse crime survivors to advance policies that help communities most harmed by crime and violence, as part of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice – its national network of over 100,000 crime survivors with thousands of members in Illinois. For more information, visit: https://allianceforsafetyandjustice.org or https://cssj.org.

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