SPRINGFIELD — Thousands of human trafficking victims have been identified in Illinois in recent years, but authorities estimate the true number of victims to be much higher. To improve how the state handles trafficking cases, a new law sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison will lead to earlier identification and strengthen support for survivors through better coordination, training and services.

“This law is the result of extensive work among Illinois State Police, state agencies and legislators to close gaps that exist in current processes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By breaking down silos between agencies, we can connect survivors to compassionate support faster and make it more difficult for trafficking networks to operate in the state.”

The new law takes a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to addressing human trafficking. The law builds on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group — created in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders and state agencies — and lays out a statewide strategic plan to support trafficking survivors. This includes creating standards of care for medical and legal providers and building a network of accessible services.

Under the new law, training will expand for staff in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Corrections to improve the ability to identify and support trafficking victims — particularly youth in state care. It also strengthens screening procedures for at-risk individuals within the justice system.

To improve investigations, the law supports the creation of multidisciplinary task forces to help law enforcement coordinate across jurisdictions. It also eliminates the 25-year statute of limitations for trafficking survivors, allowing survivors who were trafficked as minors to seek justice at any point in their healing process.

“This is about making sure people don’t fall through the cracks because agencies aren’t communicating,” said Morrison. “These changes will equip the state with the tools needed to build a coordinated and responsive system to support trafficking victims.”

Senate Bill 2323 was signed into law Wednesday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.