Action Needed to Save the Safe Homes Act

The Safe Homes Act, H.B. 4715, is scheduled for a vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 14th. Please urge senators on the committee to vote “YES” on H.B. 4715.

The Safe Homes Act, H.B. 4715 sponsored by Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), is an Illinois bill created to protect the health and safety of victims of domestic and sexual violence who live in rental housing. The Safe Homes Act would enable victims of domestic and sexual violence to ensure their own safety in their homes in the following ways:

By allowing victims who are leaseholders to change the locks after giving proper notice to the landlord;
By protecting landlords who rely on a lawful court order when they change the locks; and
By allowing a victim who fears her personal safety to break her lease after providing the landlord with documentation of her victim status.

Last week, the Safe Homes Act passed out of the House of Representatives. The Safe Homes Act now goes on to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a vote before getting a final vote on the Senate floor. Please take a moment to contact one or more senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to support the Safe Homes Act to ensure victims’ safety in housing. You may also go to www.ilga.gov and search by H.B. 4715 in the sidebar to read the full version of the Safe Homes Act, as well as find actions and updates on the progress of the bill.

When calling a senator tell them: Please vote YES on H.B. 4715, The Safe Homes Act.

This Act is extremely important to the safety of domestic and sexual violence victims in rental housing. Please ensure that victims will have the right to secure their own safety and stability by supporting H.B 4715.

Senate Judiciary Committee members to contact:
John J. Cullerton (D-6th, Chicago) 217-782-7260
Kirk W. Dillard (R-24th, Westmont) 217-782-8148
William R. Haine (D- 56th, Alton) 217-782-5247
Richard J. Winkel Jr. (R-52nd, Urbana) 217-328-0400
Don Harmon (D-39th, Oak Park) 217-782-8176
James F. Clayborne Jr. (D-57th, East St. Louis) 217-782-5399
Ira I. Silverstein (D-8th, Chicago) 217-782-5500
Edward Petka (R-42nd, Plainfield) 217-782-0422
Peter J. Roskam (R-48th, Wheaton) 217-782-8022

Please call today or Monday, or on Tuesday before noon.