SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led a new law that will ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.
“I have spent several years now working to address the lethality of domestic violence altercations that involve a firearm, and I am proud to see the state will be further prioritizing the well-being of domestic violence survivors, especially women and children, through expanded safeguards,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “There is still much work to do, but getting this law over the finish line will certify our state’s justice system works in the favor of survivors, ensuring perpetrators of abuse and violence don’t have the means to cause further harm.”
Senate Bill 3329 will solidify protections for victims of domestic violence under Karina’s Law. Signed into law in February 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 new law will build on Karina’s Law. First, the law will 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 will 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.
“We have an obligation to protect our residents, to put their safety first and to keep abusers from causing further harm,” said Villanueva. “This law will send a clear message that Illinois will not stand by and watch as the injustices that claimed the lives of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter, Daniela, continue to be enacted on others. We will honor their memory by standing on the side of justice.”
Senate Bill 3329 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1.
