SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is spearheading a measure to ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.

“Previous gaps in Illinois’ law left survivors vulnerable to continued harm from their abusers, but we enhanced protections to close those gaps last year, and now it’s time to see those enhancements fully realized – for the well-being of survivors, their families and their communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By advancing this measure, we’re continuing to put the safety not only of survivors, but also the larger community, at the forefront; ensuring individuals who intend to cause harm are met with full and proper enforcement of Illinois’ law.”

Senate Bill 3329 would solidify protections for victims of domestic violence under Karina’s Law. Signed into law in Feb. 2025, Karina’s Law addresses the growing concern surrounding firearms and domestic violence by clarifying and strengthening the law around orders of protection, requiring law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge issuing an order revoking the individual’s FOID card.

Villanueva’s measure would build on Karina’s Law. First, the bill would prohibit any third-party individual from knowingly transferring a firearm to a respondent in an order of protection action, or allowing the respondent access to a firearm. It would also require law enforcement to take reasonable steps to notify petitioners of domestic violence cases if the agency seeks to correct or nullify a search warrant for a respondent’s firearms.

“I passed Karina’s Law because we needed to send a clear message that lawmakers in Illinois will prioritize the dignity and safety of survivors,” added Villanueva. “Now, we need to fully enforce that law to continue honoring the memory of victims like Karina and her daughter Daniela.”

Senate Bill 3329 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.