Author: Office of Maura Hirschauer

Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

The intersection of intimate partner violence and gun violence is deadly and the ripple effects of the trauma echo far beyond the intimate relationship – affecting children who live with and witness it, and the family members, coworkers, and law enforcement who respond to it. Our top priority in the legislature is keeping people safe, especially survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. An order of protection is a key tool to help protect survivors, especially as they try and leave a violent relationship.

Right now, the order of protection process is failing too many domestic violence survivors, especially when firearms are involved. When an order of protection is granted with the firearm remedy, that gun needs to be removed from the home immediately. We cannot have any ambiguity about this process, the stakes are too high.

Karina’s Bill will clarify the law and give law enforcement clear directives on removing firearms from the home. This legislation is critically important as domestic violence is on the rise both in Chicago and across our state. Last year, there were 56 domestic violence homicides across Illinois, up from 40 in 2021 and 37 in 2020. Added to the rise in domestic violence is the proliferation of firearms across our state. In the US, intimate partner homicide represents 40-50% of the murders of all women.

We have taken a number of important steps forward in gun violence prevention in Illinois in recent years, but we cannot stop doing this important work. Karina’s Bill will close loopholes and strengthen state law to keep more survivors safe and ultimately save lives.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the legislature is scheduled to be in session in a few weeks. I am going to do everything in my power to ensure this bill is passed during the Veto Session. We cannot sit by while tragedies like the one that struck Karina, Daniela, and their family continue to occur.

Get the latest bill one-pager

Karina’s bill:

  • Requires firearm removal to occur during service of an emergency order of protection (OP) when granted by a judge.
  • Clarifies existing language in statute for a judge to issue a warrant when granting the firearm remedy to allow for consistent firearm removal enforcement across the state.
  • Closes a loophole in current statute by barring transfer of ownership of firearms when the firearm remedy is granted.
  • Adds dating partners and ex-dating partners to the list of petitioners in the firearm restraining orders act to create additional avenues of firearm relief when an OP is not needed.
text reads "Guns make domestic violence deadly. Access to a gun makes a survivor of domestic violence 5 times more likely to be fatally shot by an intimate partner."

Hirschauer Champions Trauma-Informed Care in Task Force Appointment

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Champions Trauma-Informed Care in Task Force Appointment

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, was appointed to the Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force, continuing her commitment to more effective and compassionate  approaches to tackling Illinois’ biggest health issues. 

“We need to move beyond old ways of treating patients and problems if we are going to combat our state’s physical and mental health issues,” Hirschauer said. “I am excited to bring the voices and insight of my community and stakeholders to this appointment as we work collaboratively to shape a better future for healthcare in Illinois. By looking at our leading health problems through the lens of individual and generational trauma, our healthcare system can better serve the people.” 

The Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force is a product of Senate Bill 646, which moves Illinois into a trauma-informed direction. The task force would align definitions and goals laid out in the Whole Child Task Force, Children’s Mental Health Plan, and the recent Children’s Mental Health Transformation Initiative. Receiving trauma-informed care means that healthcare professionals at the clinical and organizational level understand a patient’s complete history, even the history often overlooked in mainstream healthcare practices. By opening up relationships between patients and providers, treating health issues can become more long-lasting and effective.

For more information on Senate Bill 646 and the Healing-Centered Illinois Task Force, visit ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #104
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Hirschauer: Lifesaving Medication Needs to be Accessible

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer: Lifesaving Medication Needs to be Accessible

    WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is continuing her commitment to cutting healthcare costs by lowering the price of costly, life saving medications through two new reforms that are now law. 

    “Too many people depend on insulin in their day-to-day lives for us to do nothing about outrageous price gouging by major pharmaceutical companies,” Hirschauer said. “By lowering the cost of insulin, we will help countless people manage their diabetes, and afford to do so.” 

    Hirschauer championed House Bill 2189 which lowered the cap on the price of insulin to $35, making it more attainable to low-income people with diabetes. Insulin helps diabetic people manage their blood sugar levels and helps turn food into energy. 

    Allergic reactions can turn deadly at a moment’s notice. That’s why Hirschauer fought for House Bill 3639, requiring insurance companies to cap the costs of a twin-pack of medically necessary epinephrine injectors. Due to large-scale price gouging, the cost of this life saving medication has risen dramatically, often causing those with severe allergies to navigate precariously around potentially deadly interactions. 

    “It is unacceptable that those with severe allergic reactions to things like nuts, household products and environmental triggers have to take their life into their hands every time they walk outside, because they can’t afford an Epi-pen,” Hirschauer said. “Epinephrine can mean the difference between life and death for many, so I am thankful to Governor Pritzker, my colleagues and all those who helped make this possible.” 

    For more information on this and other Hirschauer-backed legislation, visit ilga.gov. 

    Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #104
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Hirschauer: Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer: Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

    WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer released the following statement Friday after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld legislation she worked to pass banning the sale of assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications:

    “I applaud today’s ruling for commonsense gun safety as a lawmaker, as a Moms Demand Action volunteer, and as a mother myself. First and foremost, I’m glad to see our Supreme Court upholding the work so many of my neighbors sent me to Springfield to do. I know there is more work to be done, so I am heartened to see that the voices of so many students, moms, and other advocates means more than the money and clout of the gun lobby. And I’m grateful to know, at least in Illinois, we will value our children more than we value guns. We will not accept the national mania that would have us believe that seeing people massacred in our classrooms, in movie theaters, and on our streets is a price we must pay again and again. We will act on behalf of the students who have spoken clearly about the need for change; we will comfort the parents who drop their kids off at school and say a silent prayer that they make it home safe; and we will continue the work of ending gun violence in every community in this state.”

    Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #104
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Assault Weapons Ruling Upholds the Work Neighbors Sent Me to Do

    I applaud today’s ruling for commonsense gun safety as a lawmaker, as a Moms Demand Action volunteer, and as a mother myself.

    First and foremost, I’m glad to see our Supreme Court upholding the work so many of my neighbors sent me to Springfield to do. I know there is more work to be done, so I am heartened to see that the voices of so many students, moms, and other advocates means more than the money and clout of the gun lobby. And I’m grateful to know, at least in Illinois, we will value our children more than we value guns.

    We will not accept the national mania that would have us believe that seeing people massacred in our classrooms, in movie theaters, and on our streets is a price we must pay again and again.

    We will act on behalf of the students who have spoken clearly about the need for change; we will comfort the parents who drop their kids off at school and say a silent prayer that they make it home safe; and we will continue the work of ending gun violence in every community in this state.

    Yours sincerely,

    Maura Hirschauer

    23-08-11_AWB-Ruling_LetterDownload

    Hirschauer Prioritizes Violence Prevention in Spring Legislative Session

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer Prioritizes Violence Prevention in Spring Legislative Session

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Building on years of advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, passed a balanced budget and legislation that prevents gun violence and invests in youth and community development.

    “When the Governor introduced his budget proposal months ago, I made it a priority for the final product to help bolster community safety by tackling the root causes of violence. I am proud to have supported a budget that invests in violence interruption and prevention services to keep our communities safe,” Hirschauer said. “Our budget is a representation of what we value, and this year’s budget sends an unequivocal message that the safety and wellbeing of our children and communities is essential.”

    The Hirschauer-backed fiscal year 2024 budget provides millions of dollars in funding for non- profit organizations and local governments for violence interruption and prevention, community development, and youth employment. It also fully funds a multi-million dollar safe gun storage public awareness campaign to help prevent unintentional shootings, saving many, especially children, from accidental death and gun-related injuries.

    In concert with the violence prevention measures in the budget, Hirschauer recently passed a House Bill 676 which would, among other measures, keeps guns out of the hands of domestic abusers by clarifying that the respondent of the firearms restraining order is prohibited from acquiring or possessing any firearms for the duration of the order of protection and outlining the process and timeframe for firearms to be seized after the entry of the order of protection. The bill also permits intimate partners to petition for a firearms order of protection, closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole.”

    “In Illinois, we can compassionately govern while still maintaining strong fiscal responsibility to create a safer, brighter future,” Hirschauer said. “Though we’ve made tremendous progress this session, our work is still ongoing, and I will always stand up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families.”

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #104
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Hirschauer Passes Bill to Reduce Gun Violence, Protect Illinois Communities

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer Passes Bill to Reduce Gun Violence, Protect Illinois Communities

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed a bill out of the Illinois House of Representatives Friday to further prevent gun violence and protect Illinois communities, particularly survivors of domestic abuse.

    “The presence of guns can mean the difference between life and death for survivors of domestic violence and people in abusive relationships,” Hirschauer said. “When abusers have access to a gun, the risk of intimate-partner homicide increases by 500 percent, according to research from the American Journal of Public Health. Removing guns from these volatile situations is a commonsense solution that will undoubtedly save the lives of vulnerable people.”

    House Bill 676 clarifies that the respondent of the firearms restraining order is prohibited from acquiring or possessing any firearms for the duration of the order of protection, and outlines the process and timeframe for firearms to be seized after the entry of the order of protection. The bill also permits intimate partners to petition for a firearms order of protection, closing what is commonly known as the “boyfriend loophole.”

    The bill also includes several other provisions, including the creation of a task force to review public policy options relating to the insurance of firearms in Illinois. It also expands the First Time Weapons Offense Program for first-time, non-violent offenders charged with certain weapons offenses. This successful diversion program provides alternatives to the criminal justice system likely to reduce further crime and promote public safety.

    “Gun violence is a complex public health and safety problem that necessitates comprehensive, multifaceted solutions. This bill is another step in our journey to end gun violence and make Illinois a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” Hirschauer said. “I am grateful to my colleagues, especially the members of the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group, for passing this bill, and I implore my colleagues in the Senate to do the same and stand up for the safety of Illinois communities once again.”

    House Bill 676 awaits consideration by the Illinois Senate. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #104
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Hirschauer Pushes Measure to Protect Nursing Home Residents

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer Pushes Measure to Protect Nursing Home Residents

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nursing home residents would enjoy greater protection from restraining practices and unnecessary overmedication under new legislation led by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.

    “Nursing home residents are some of our most vulnerable community members, and they deserve safe, dignified treatment in all circumstances,” Hirschauer said. “This legislation seeks to prevent harmful restraining practices and the misuse of psychotropic drugs so that nursing home residents receive helpful services free of harm or misconduct.”

    Senate Bill 1497 specifies when and how positioning devices can be used to restrain someone in order to maintain the health and safety of a resident. The bill distinguishes between positioning devices and physical restraints, and allows residents to request positioning devices to assist with stability and movement. To prevent the misuse of psychotropic drugs, the bill also clarifies that psychotropic drugs are only to be used to treat a specific diagnosed and documented condition, or if clinical documentation in the resident’s medical record supports the use of the medication over the other alternatively prescribed medications. Senate Bill 1497 is an initiative of Hirschauer and state Sen. Karina Villa’s Joint Senior Advisory Committee, a group of civically-minded community members who discuss and propose legislation.

    “According to the American Association of Retired Persons, Illinois is the second worst state in the misuse of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes in America. This is unacceptable,” Hirschauer said. “When we trust nursing homes with the care of our loved ones, we expect them to treat them with the safest and highest quality of care. This bill helps make that so. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this bill and protect nursing home residents across Illinois.”

    Senate Bill 1497 now heads to the House floor for consideration. For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #108
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Hirschauer to Host Mobile Secretary of State Event

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer to Host Mobile Secretary of State Event

    WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Mobile Secretary of State event on Friday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hanover Township Senior Center located at 240 Illinois Route 59 in Bartlett.

    “Due to a variety of circumstances, many people might not be able to go to the DMV to renew their licenses or access other services,” Hirschauer said. “This event is the perfect opportunity to skip the long lines at the DMV and conveniently receive the services the Secretary of State’s office provides.”

    Event attendees will be able to take advantage of basic DMV services, such as vision testing, driver’s license/state ID renewal, license plate stickers, and more. Proper identification is required for these services. No cash will be accepted. All payments must be made by check, credit card, debit card, or money order.

    “Bringing useful services to our community through events like this one is one of my top priorities as your state representative,” Hirschauer said. “I will always work to make the lives of my constituents easier. I encourage anyone who needs DMV services to join us for this event.”

    This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s district office at 331-465-9661 or office@repmaura49.com.

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #108
    West Chicago IL 60185

    Hirschauer Highlighting Nearly $60 Million in Grants for Recreation Projects Throughout Illinois

    Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
    Hirschauer Highlighting Nearly Million in Grants for Recreation Projects Throughout Illinois

    WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is excited to announce that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be included in the $60 million state grant for parks districts and recreational departments in Illinois.

    “I am excited to share that the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will be the benefactors of this grant,” Hirschauer said. “This is an investment into the health and well-being of families in our community. Parks and recreational centers have always been a special place in our neighborhoods because they are a place where everyone can gather together to be active and present with their children and friends.”

    Gov. Pritzker and the Department of Natural Resources are distributing nearly $60 million in grants for 118 local park projects throughout Illinois. These grants serve to help communities acquire land, and develop recreational opportunities for parks districts and recreational centers. Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Village of South Elgin, and Batavia Park District will all be receiving $600,000 in funding.

    “This is an opportunity for our district to invest in renovations and services for members of our community,” Hirschauer said. “We must continue to fund projects that improve and expand services like pools and parks for families in our community to enjoy.”

    For more information, please contact office@repmaura49.com.

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    Rep. Maura Hirschauer

    (D-Batavia)
    49th District

    Springfield Office:
    271-S Stratton Office Building
    Springfield, IL 62706
    (217) 782-1653

    District Office:
    946 Neltnor Blvd #108
    West Chicago IL 60185