News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

For Immediate Release: August 5, 2008

Contact: Rep. Stephens

618-651-0405

Bill Designed to Protect Domestic Abuse Victims Signed Into Law

Stephens-sponsored bill allows for GPS tracking of violent offenders

Springfield…. Legislation allowing global positioning satellite tracking to monitor domestic abuse offenders who violate orders of protection was signed by the Governor yesterday, according to Representative Ron Stephens (R-Highland).

Senate Bill 2719 was originally proposed following the murder of Cindy Bischof who was shot in March outside her Elmhurst office by a former boyfriend who stalked her for 10 months. The new Cindy Bischof Domestic Violence Electronic Surveillance Law will allow electronic surveillance for violators of an order of protection. Judges will be allowed to decide whether the GPS system is appropriate based upon the circumstances of each case. The monitoring would provide both the victim and law enforcement with immediate warning if the offender gets too close to the safety zones as stated in the order of protection.

Stephens, who sponsored the bill in the House, said the legislation will help save lives.

“The bill provides a no-brainer solution to this important and potentially dangerous problem,” Stephens said. “Until now, the courts have had nothing but the offender’s word that they wouldn’t go where they’re not supposed to go. Now we have the means to make sure that they keep their word and, at the same time, protect those being stalked and victimized.”

The new law also requires domestic violence offenders to complete a risk assessment evaluation where professionals would be able to identify psychological, substance abuse or other conditions that must be treated before counseling and other programs designed to modify behavior can be effective.

“Before GPS technology became as prevalent as it now is, it was impossible to know where restraining order violators were at all times,” Stephens said. “Now we can not only know where they are, we can also know where they are in relation to where they’re not supposed to be. This will help create a much safer environment for those who have been victimized and wish to move on with their lives.”

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