Illinois may update missing person database policy with bill in Statehouse
Share this @internewscast.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A bill overhauling how police respond to a missing persons case is gaining traction in the State Capitol.

The proposed legislation mandates law enforcement to immediately accept missing persons reports, eliminating any waiting periods. Additionally, police would need to upload fingerprints and any available DNA of the missing individual to National Databases.

Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort), who is backing the bill in the Senate, stated that if enacted, the bill would ensure that no missing persons case is considered closed until it’s reported and identified, preventing cases from being shelved due to a lack of leads. He believes these additional regulations will aid in returning more missing individuals to their families.

Hastings explained, “The bill ensures that first, authorities make use of fingerprints and DNA, that they report it to the National Database, and that they must submit postmortem information within seven days of discovering a body.”

Hastings worked with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on the bill. Their office runs Missing Women’s Project, which works to locate women who have been missing for at least three years.

According to the Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Illinois has 461 open missing persons cases, 429 open unidentified persons cases and 93 open unclaimed persons cases.

“Minorities are disproportionately affected by this. Homeless people are affected by this. All of those people have families,” Hastings said. “And they should know where their loved one is, especially if they are found.”

The bill passed the Senate with unanimous support and now heads to the House of Representatives, where it’s sponsored by Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island).

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Neglect or Inaction? Greene Co. Daughter Demands Answers for Mother’s Alleged Abuse in Care Facilities

Photo: Lisa Taylor In Greeneville, Tennessee, Lisa Taylor faced a difficult decision…

Escaped Inmate Recaptured After Daring Leap from Jail Transport Van

A man described as a serious violent felon is once again in…

Florida Breaks Python Removal Record with Innovative New Partnership

In Tallahassee, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis recently took the stage alongside an…

Clearwater Police Safely Extract 5-Foot Boa Constrictor from Local Woman’s Vehicle

In an unusual twist of events in Clearwater, Florida, the local police…

Suspect in Waffle House Shooting Surrenders to JCPD: Latest Updates on the Case

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Tuesday, the Johnson City Police Department…

Israel Confirms Identities of Two Hostages as U.S. Diplomat Vance Readies for Netanyahu Meeting

In Tel Aviv, Israel, a significant development unfolded as the office of…

Dramatic Taser Deployment Ends Standoff with Armed Theft Suspect

DISCLAIMER: All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court…

Western Balkans Leaders Convene in London for Critical Discussions on Migration and Security

LONDON – This week, London becomes the focal point for crucial discussions…

Jack Nicklaus Triumphs: Legendary Golfer Secures $50M Victory in Defamation Battle Against Ex-Business Partners

MIAMI (AP) — Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has emerged victorious in a…

Transforming History: New Senior Housing Development Planned for St. Pete’s Iconic Gas Plant District

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — In a bid to explore new development…

Revolutionary Champaign Clinic Addresses Common Yet Overlooked Disorders Affecting Millions

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A groundbreaking clinic in Central Illinois is now…

Tennessee Senator Advocates for AI Regulations Amid Rising Use of Chatbots by Children for Social Interaction

In today’s world, children are interacting not just with their peers from…