SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to provide further protections to crime victims.

“There is no reason why crime survivors, who are brave enough to share DNA, should have to look over their shoulder wondering if their DNA they voluntarily provided will be used against them,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “This provision protects survivors and ensures they are able to seek justice without fear of systemic retaliation.”

House Bill 1168 would ensure that DNA evidence collected from a crime victim is not entered into a DNA database.

The measure comes in response to a case in San Francisco where a rape survivor voluntarily provided her DNA to law enforcement to bring her attacker to justice. However, her DNA was put into a database without her consent – and was tested against crime scene DNA for years.

Villanueva’s measure would ensure crime survivors are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment.

“People should feel comfortable reporting crimes rather than face fear of future retaliation,” said Villanueva. “This provision is essential to maintaining the integrity of our criminal justice system.”

House Bill 1168 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the governor for final consideration.