Family Violence Option: The Next Step

H.B. 3446, which includes the Family Violence Option (FVO), successfully passed the Illinois House on April 1 with an overwhelming majority (110 votes in favor and only 6 against). It is now in the Senate. Since the bill started in the House, it retains its House bill number. The Senate sponsors are Senators Christine Radogno (R) and Miguel del Valle (D).

To ensure that H.B. 3446 moves forward and is passed by the Senate so that it may become Illinois law, WomanView now requests that calls and faxes in support of the bill are directed to Governor Jim Edgar no later than April 24. Without the Governor’s support, the FVO is unlikely to succeed in the Senate.

Ask the Governor to support the Family Violence Option.

Governor Edgar has offices in Springfield and Chicago:

State Capitol, Room 227 Springfield, IL 62706 217.782.6830 Fax 217.524.4049

Governor's Office James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph, 16th Floor Chicago, IL 60601 312.814.2121 Fax 312.814.5572

If you need more information about H.B. 3446 and the FVO, please refer to WomanView issues 6 and 11 or call Wendy Pollack at 312.263.3830 ext. 238.

Update on H.B. 2491.

The Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony for and against H.B. 2491 on April 21. Wendy Pollack from the Poverty Law Project testified against the bill; she pointed out the bill’s deficiencies. John Miller, a member of ACES, spoke about his experience as a custodial parent and how the bill would affect him and his children negatively. The committee decided to defer a vote on the bill in order to address the concerns of the opponents. The bill is on the agenda for the next committee meeting on Tuesday, April 28, at 1:00 p.m. Whether or not the bill’s sponsors and those of us who oppose the bill can reach agreement on the amendments remains to be seen. WomanView will keep you informed.