Illinois Senate Republicans have introduced a package of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence and holding repeat offenders accountable. The proposal comes as domestic violence-related deaths continue to rise across the state.

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence-related deaths increased 140% from 2022 to 2024. Senate Republicans say the current law too often allows abusers to repeatedly violate protective orders with limited consequences, leaving victims at continued risk.

The legislative package includes Senate Bill 3139, which would require suspects in serious domestic violence cases to prove they do not pose a real and present danger before being released, creating a cooling-off period for victims to seek help. Senate Bill 3140 would increase penalties for violating orders of protection by making those violations felony offenses, with higher penalties for repeat violations.

Additional proposals include Senate Bill 3141, which would establish minimum holding times for repeat violations of protective, no-contact, and stalking orders, and Senate Bill 3142, which would require courts to consider prior convictions across different types of protective orders when sentencing repeat offenders.

Senate Republicans say orders of protection should mean real safety for victims, not repeated fear and uncertainty. These proposals are about giving victims, law enforcement, and courts the tools needed to intervene early and prevent further violence.