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

Rising Flight Delays and Cancellations Intensify Legislative Pressure Amid Shutdown Concerns

The recent wave of delays at some of the country’s busiest airports…

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…

Tragic Discovery: Family of Slain Helms College Student Breaks Silence on Heartbreaking Street Incident

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) – The family of a Helms College student who…

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

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

Holocaust Exhibit Premieres in Champaign, Bringing Museum Experience to Visitors

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – In a significant collaborative effort, three organizations came…

Discover Heritage Day at the Historic Bogart/Bowman Cabin in Unicoi

UNICOI, Tenn. (WJHL) – This Saturday, immerse yourself in Appalachian culture amidst…

American Airlines Pilots Mistake Misunderstanding for Cockpit Security Threat

In a surprising incident on Monday, a flight destined for Los Angeles…

Five Vehicles Involved in Rollover Collision, Crashing Into Holly Hill Residence

HOLLY HILL, Fla. – Authorities in Holly Hill are currently examining a…

Mattoon Movie Theater Revival: Grand Reopening Set for December 2023

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — A fresh chapter is set to begin for…

Wave Goodbye to Muggy Days: Refreshing Low Humidity Arrives This Wednesday!

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Prepare for another day of warmth and humidity…

Dramatic Taser Deployment Ends Standoff with Armed Theft Suspect

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

Port Wentworth Ice Cove Celebrates Milestone with Beam Topping Ceremony

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. – Tuesday marked a significant milestone for Port Wentworth’s…