SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will join a growing list of states banning the sale of at-home sexual assault evidence collection kits starting Jan. 1 thanks to State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“At-home kits cannot replace the care of a medical professional,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “People will no longer be misled about the products that raise reliability and privacy concerns.”

In Illinois, medical forensic exams are offered at no cost, and in addition to addressing physical trauma, a trained crisis advocate provides emotional support and explains the survivor’s rights and options. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners conduct the exams, collect evidence according to established protocols and can testify in court if necessary.

At-home sexual assault evidence collection kits are marketed online as an alternative to medical forensic exams, but they lack the oversight and expertise needed for reliable evidence collection. The Illinois Attorney General has raised concerns that these at-home kits are unreliable and unlikely to hold up in criminal court proceedings due to issues with evidence handling.

To address these risks, Glowiak Hilton’s law makes it illegal for anyone other than a medical professional to sell, advertise or distribute sexual assault evidence collection kits. Under the new law, survivors who have been misled into purchasing a kit can seek compensation for any harm caused by false claims about the kit’s effectiveness in pursuing criminal charges.

“In Illinois, we have worked to support and uplift survivors,” said Glowiak Hilton. “With this new law, we are staying true to our word by reinforcing our state’s commitment to survivor-centered and trauma-informed care.”

House Bill 2548 takes effect Jan. 1.