SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aiming to pay tribute to past servicemen and women who never returned home, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is working to create a new observance honoring missing soldiers, prisoners of war and veteran families experiencing grief.
“This measure is a small but powerful way to ensure we never forget the sacrifices of those who never came home, and the loved ones who continue to grieve their absence,” said Hirschauer.
Hirschauer passed House Bill 1312 out of the State Government Administration Committee with bipartisan support. Her bill would designate the third Friday of September of each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor of missing service members and families of prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).
The measure specifically calls on the governor to request a portion of the day be dedicated to personal reflection on the challenging circumstances of POWs and MIA members of the U.S. armed forces, encouraging all Illinoisans to reflect on these soldiers’ services. Hirschauer introduced this bill with the help of Bill and Traci Woods, both members of Hirschauer’s local Veterans Advisory Committee. Bill and Traci’s uncles, Air Force Maj. Ronald Mayercik and Thomas Pilkington of the United States Navy are still missing in action from the Vietnam War.
“By formally recognizing this day, we urge the governor and all Illinoisans to reflect on the courage of these individuals and the pain endured by their families and loved ones,” said Hirschauer. “I am honored to bring this legislation in front of our chamber’s body to reflect our state’s unwavering support for those who serve and protect us.”
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
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the announcement last week in the press release, Hirschauer Advances Bill regarding its committee passing, State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, announced today that House Bill 1312 has successfully passed both its committee and the full House with unanimous support. The legislation, which amends the state Commemorative Dates Act, now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Key Legislative Changes
House Bill 1312 permanently redesignates POW/MIA Recognition Day by requiring the governor to annually proclaim the third Friday of September as a day of official remembrance. This change marks a departure from the current practice of issuing a resolution every year to designate the day. The shift to a permanent designation reflects the call from service members and their families for a consistent, lasting tribute to the sacrifices of U.S. armed forces personnel who are prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA).
Honoring Personal Legacies
A special acknowledgment was made for Bill and Traci Wood, who led in the legislative effort by bringing their advocacy to Hirschauer’s Veterans Advisory Committee. Their personal connections to the issue are profound—both have uncles still missing in action from the Vietnam War. The legislation pays tribute to Bill’s uncle, Air Force Maj. Ronald Mayercik, and Traci’s uncle, Thomas Pilkington of the United States Navy. Their advocacy underscores the seriousness of honoring the legacy of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
“I would especially like to recognize Bill and Tracy Wood,” Rep. Hirschauer said. “Their dedication and personal connection to this cause remind us of the real impact these legislative changes have on families across Illinois. In honor of their uncles and all those families, I ask for your vote.” – Transcript clip from floor speech, April 7, 2025
Next Steps
With its unanimous, bipartisan approval in the House, this legislation now advances to the Senate. Rep. Hirschauer and her supporters remain confident that the Senate will share their commitment to honoring our service members and supporting veteran families.
El proyecto de ley de reconocimiento POW/MIA de la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer aprueba la Cámara de manera unánime y ahora avanza al Senado
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tras el anuncio la semana pasada Hirschauer Avanza Proyecto, de su aprobación en el comité, la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, anunció hoy que el Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 1312 ha pasado exitosamente tanto su comité como la Cámara completa con apoyo unánime. La legislación, que modifica la Ley de Fechas Conmemorativas del estado, ahora avanza al Senado para su consideración adicional.
Principales cambios legislativos El Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 1312 redesigna permanentemente el Día de Reconocimiento POW/MIA al requerir que el gobernador proclame anualmente el tercer viernes de septiembre como un día de recuerdo oficial. Este cambio marca una desviación de la práctica actual de emitir una resolución cada año para designar este día. El cambio a una designación permanente refleja el llamado de los miembros del servicio y sus familias a un homenaje consistente y duradero a los sacrificios del personal de las fuerzas armadas de EE. UU. que son prisioneros de guerra (POW) o desaparecidos en acción (MIA).
Rindiendo homenaje a los legados personales Se hizo un reconocimiento especial a Bill y Traci Wood, quienes lideraron el esfuerzo legislativo al llevar su defensa al Comité Asesor de Veteranos de Hirschauer. Sus conexiones personales con el tema son profundas: ambos tienen tíos aún desaparecidos en acción de la Guerra de Vietnam. La legislación rinde homenaje al tío de Bill, el Mayor de la Fuerza Aérea Ronald Mayercik, y al tío de Traci, Thomas Pilkington de la Armada de los Estados Unidos. Su defensa resalta la seriedad de honrar el legado de aquellos que han sacrificado tanto por nuestra nación.
“Me gustaría reconocer especialmente a Bill y Traci Wood”, dijo la Representante Hirschauer. “Su dedicación y conexión personal con esta causa nos recuerdan el verdadero impacto que estos cambios legislativos tienen en las familias de todo Illinois. En honor a sus tíos y a todas esas familias, les pido su voto.” – Fragmento de discurso en el pleno, 7 de abril de 2025
Próximos pasos
Con su aprobación unánime y bipartidista en la Cámara, esta legislación ahora avanza al Senado. La Representante Hirschauer y sus seguidores siguen confiados en que el Senado compartirá su compromiso de honrar a nuestros miembros del servicio y apoyar a las familias de los veteranos.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Taking steps to eliminate language barriers in housing and rental agreements for non-English speakers, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, advanced a measure aimed at expanding online resources by requiring housing authorities to provide sample leases and agreements in multiple languages.
“This measure ultimately breaks down language barriers in leasing agreements so house and rental hunting is more accessible for families who do not speak English as their first language,” said Hirschauer. “Legal agreements can be confusing even for native English speakers, so for families that primarily speak another language, not having clear information can put them at risk of misunderstanding their rights, obligations, or facing eviction without knowing why.”
Currently, housing authorities are not required to create sample lease agreements. House Bill 1610 would change the law to require these authorities — who assist from investigating housing issues to leasing property —to have sample leases and rental agreements available online in the three most common non-English languages spoken within its jurisdiction.
House Bill 1610 advanced through the Housing Committee with the help of DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform, a local non-profit in Hirschauer’s district.
“This is a step forward in inclusive housing rights by requiring multilingual rental and leasing language be available online, so anyone going through this type of process can understand what they’re signing,” said Hirschauer. “Making this a consistent accessible resource for renters eases an often stressful process for non-native speakers.”
Hirschauer avanza proyecto de ley de acceso al lenguaje para inquilinos a través del Comité de Vivienda.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tomando medidas para eliminar las barreras lingüísticas en los acuerdos de vivienda y alquiler para personas que no hablan inglés, la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, promovió una medida destinada a expandir los recursos en línea, exigiendo que las autoridades de vivienda proporcionen ejemplos de contratos de arrendamiento y acuerdos en varios idiomas.
“Esta medida, en última instancia, elimina las barreras lingüísticas en los contratos de arrendamiento para que la búsqueda de vivienda y alquiler sea más accesible para las familias que no hablan inglés como su primer idioma”, dijo Hirschauer. “Los acuerdos legales pueden ser confusos incluso para los hablantes nativos de inglés, así que para las familias que hablan principalmente otro idioma, no tener información clara puede ponerlas en riesgo de no entender sus derechos, obligaciones o enfrentar un desalojo sin saber por qué.”
Actualmente, las autoridades de vivienda no están obligadas a crear ejemplos de contratos de arrendamiento. El Proyecto de Ley 1610 cambiaría la ley para exigir que estas autoridades — que asisten desde la investigación de problemas de vivienda hasta el arrendamiento de propiedades — tengan disponibles en línea ejemplos de contratos de arrendamiento y acuerdos de alquiler en los tres idiomas no ingleses más hablados dentro de su jurisdicción.
El Proyecto de Ley 1610 avanzó a través del Comité de Vivienda con la ayuda de la DuPage Federation sobre la Reforma de Recursos Humanos, una organización sin fines de lucro local en el distrito de Hirschauer.
“Este es un paso adelante en los derechos inclusivos de vivienda al exigir que el lenguaje multilingüe en los contratos de alquiler y arrendamiento esté disponible en línea, para que cualquier persona que pase por este tipo de proceso pueda entender lo que está firmando”, dijo Hirschauer. “Hacer que este recurso accesible y consistente para los inquilinos facilite un proceso que a menudo es estresante para los hablantes no nativos.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is continuing her efforts to make classrooms safer, advancing a new bill to ensure more teachers are prepared to prioritize student safety in an emergency situation.
“My work in Springfield is rooted in the kitchen table issues discussed in my neighborhood every night. Parents, teachers and students alike are more fearful than ever to attend school without the thought of ‘Will I be safe today?’ This bill reflects a serious effort to close gaps we see locally that will have an impact statewide, ensuring every community, school, and student feels seen and protected.”
Hirschauer passed House Bill 1787 out of the Education Policy Committee last week, ensuring substitute teachers and semi-permanent educators receive the same lockdown and emergency preparedness training as full-time teachers. As a former teacher and champion of commonsense gun safety laws, Hirschauer developed this measure in coordination with Moms Demand Action in order to continue developing a more comprehensive approach to student safety.
“I’m a staunch advocate for protecting our schools, and this measure is another way we can prioritize our students’ safety,” said Hirschauer. “I’ll continue to work towards policies that intersect the dangers of firearms, children, and schools because our kids deserve to enjoy the same safety that we once did when we were growing up.”
Hirschauer Impulsa la Ampliación de la Preparación Para Emergencias Para los Maestros.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, continúa sus esfuerzos para hacer las aulas más seguras, promoviendo un nuevo proyecto de ley para asegurar que más maestros estén preparados para priorizar la seguridad de los estudiantes en una situación de emergencia.
“Mi trabajo en Springfield está basado en los temas de la mesa de cocina que se discuten todas las noches en mi vecindario. Padres, maestros y estudiantes están más temerosos que nunca de asistir a la escuela sin la pregunta de ‘¿Estaré seguro hoy?’ Este proyecto de ley refleja un esfuerzo serio para cerrar las brechas que vemos localmente, lo que tendrá un impacto a nivel estatal, asegurando que cada comunidad, escuela y estudiante se sienta visto y protegido.”
Hirschauer aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 1787 en el Comité de Política Educativa la semana pasada, asegurando que los maestros sustitutos y los educadores semi-permanentes reciban la misma capacitación en medidas de emergencia y cierre que los maestros de tiempo completo. Como exmaestra y defensora de las leyes sensatas de seguridad con armas, Hirschauer desarrolló esta medida en coordinación con Moms Demand Action para continuar desarrollando un enfoque más integral sobre la seguridad estudiantil.
“Soy una defensora firme de la protección de nuestras escuelas, y esta medida es otra forma de priorizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes”, dijo Hirschauer. “Continuaré trabajando hacia políticas que aborden los peligros de las armas de fuego, los niños y las escuelas, porque nuestros hijos merecen disfrutar de la misma seguridad que tuvimos nosotros cuando crecíamos.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aiming to pay tribute to past servicemen and women who never returned home, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is working to create a new observance honoring missing soldiers, prisoners of war and veteran families experiencing grief.
“This measure is a small but powerful way to ensure we never forget the sacrifices of those who never came home, and the loved ones who continue to grieve their absence,” said Hirschauer. Hirschauer passed House Bill 1312 out of the State Government Administration Committee with bipartisan support. Her bill would designate the third Friday of September of each year as POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor of missing service members and families of prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).
The measure specifically calls on the governor to request a portion of the day be dedicated to personal reflection on the challenging circumstances of POWs and MIA members of the U.S. armed forces, encouraging all Illinoisans to reflect on these soldiers’ services.
“By formally recognizing this day, we urge the governor and all Illinoisans to reflect on the courage of these individuals and the pain endured by their families and loved ones,” said Hirschauer. “I am honored to bring this legislation in front of our chamber’s body to reflect our state’s unwavering support for those who serve and protect us.”
Representante Hirschauer Avanza Proyecto de Ley Reconociendo a los Soldados Desaparecidos, Apoyando a las Familias de Veteranos
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Con el objetivo de rendir homenaje a los hombres y mujeres que sirvieron y nunca regresaron a casa, la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, está trabajando para crear una nueva conmemoración en honor a los soldados desaparecidos, prisioneros de guerra y las familias de veteranos que experimentan el duelo.
“Esta medida es una forma pequeña pero poderosa de asegurarnos de que nunca olvidemos los sacrificios de aquellos que nunca regresaron a casa, y de los seres queridos que siguen sufriendo por su ausencia”, dijo Hirschauer.
Hirschauer aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 1312 en el Comité de Administración del Gobierno Estatal con apoyo bipartidista. Su proyecto de ley designaría el tercer viernes de septiembre de cada año como el Día de Reconocimiento a los POW/MIA (Prisioneros de Guerra y Desaparecidos en Acción) en honor a los miembros del servicio desaparecidos y las familias de prisioneros de guerra (POW) y aquellos desaparecidos en acción (MIA).
La medida específicamente solicita al gobernador que dedique una parte del día a la reflexión personal sobre las difíciles circunstancias de los POW y los miembros MIA de las fuerzas armadas de EE. UU., alentando a todos los habitantes de Illinois a reflexionar sobre los servicios de estos soldados.
“Al reconocer formalmente este día, instamos al gobernador y a todos los habitantes de Illinois a reflexionar sobre el coraje de estas personas y el dolor que han soportado sus familias y seres queridos”, dijo Hirschauer. “Es un honor presentar esta legislación ante nuestro cuerpo legislativo para reflejar el inquebrantable apoyo de nuestro estado hacia aquellos que sirven y nos protegen.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement Wednesday in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget address:
“I have always believed that our state finances should be run the way smart, hard-working Illinoisans run their household budgets: spend wisely, pay our bills on time, and save for a rainy day. Using the resources we have available, we must take care of children, combat rising costs for families and seniors, and plan for the future.
“We begin this process with a strong foundation set by the smart, balanced budgets that restored our credit to an A-rating while making investments in our schools, healthcare, and community safety. Illinoisans shouldn’t have to choose between a compassionate state and a responsible state; we can, and we will be both.“I’m glad to see the governor shares my vision for a balanced budget that holds the line on taxes and continues our work to bring down costs. Now, the real work begins. I’ll be going line-by-line through the budget to make it even better, more efficient, and more responsive. I am a working mom; I know how difficult these rising costs are on a family budget. You can trust that Illinois families will be at the forefront of my mind as we work towards a state budget that works for you.”
Declaración De la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Reacciona al Discurso de Presupuesto del Gobierno
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La rep. estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, publicó la siguiente declaración el miércoles respondiendo al discurso del presupuesto anual del Gob. JB Pritzker:
“Siempre he creído que la economía estatal debe administrarse de la misma manera de un presupuesto del hogar de los ciudadanos inteligentes y trabajadores de Illinois: gastar sabiamente, pagar las cuentas a tiempo, y ahorrar para los tiempos difíciles. Con los recursos disponibles, tenemos que cuidar a los hijos, combatir los costos en aumento para familias y personas mayores y planear el futuro.
“Comenzamos este proceso con una base sólida establecida por los presupuestos inteligentes y equilibrados que restablecieron nuestra calificación crediticia estatal a un nivel A mientras invertimos en nuestras escuelas, salud médica, y en la seguridad comunitaria. Los ciudadanos de Illinois no deberían tener que elegir entre un estado compasivo y un estado responsable; podemos y seremos ambos.
“Me alegra ver que el gobierno comparte mi visión de un presupuesto equilibrado que mantenga fija la línea de impuestos y siga nuestro trabajo para reducir costos. Ahora, empieza el trabajo verdadero. Voy a revisar cada línea del presupuesto para hacerlo mejor, más eficiente, y más receptivo. Soy una mamá trabajadora; yo se que es difícil enfrentar los costos en aumento para el presupuesto de una familia. Puede confiar en que las familias de Illinois van a estar en el frente de mi mente mientras trabajamos para lograr un presupuesto estatal que funciona para usted.”
Springfield Office: 271-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D- Batavia, condemned the destructive and unlawful orders President Donald Trump has issued during his first weeks in office, passing a series of formal resolutions aimed at calling out Trump’s extremism and moving Illinois in a fundamentally better direction.
“These actions taken by Trump and his administration directly affect the health, safety, and well-being of all Illinoisans,” Hirschauer said. “I am proud to represent the community of West Chicago, which like many cities in our state is a diverse and beautiful place, home to many first and second generation, Americans. It is a community that is thriving because of the hard work of immigrants. But today, people in West Chicago, and communities across our state, don’t feel safe because of the Trump administration’s threats and hateful words. It is hard to leave your house for work everyday when there is an unmarked ICE vehicle roaming your neighborhood. It is nearly impossible to drop your children off at school with the threat of deportation looming over your head. I’m speaking up so people know that there are leaders in Illinois who will always stand up for them—even if that means standing up to the president himself.”
The Hirschauer-backed resolutions call out Trump, his extreme allies in Washington and the special interests supporting him. These measures also highlight efforts Illinois has taken to move in a better direction by prioritizing efforts to help families make ends meet, reduce the cost of living, and protecting access to lifesaving services.
Hirschauer voted to:
Call out President Trump for pardoning the confessed and convicted criminals charged for their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, including those who beat and killed police officers in the U.S. Capitol.
Challenge the administration’s immoral efforts to block lifesaving services for people in need and for working families, jeopardizing the economy and the services people depend on for everything from food assistance, to healthcare, to housing assistance, and more.
Oppose the dangerous Trump trade agenda, which will raise costs on everything local families purchase, increase housing costs, raise the price of home energy, and dramatically increase inflation pressures on families’ budgets.
Rebuke the president’s efforts to double down on a broken immigration system, and his unconstitutional order to strip away citizenship protections in the United States Constitution.
Fight against Trump’s anti-DEI rhetoric that, in reality, are attacks on the workplace protections, equal pay, and longstanding policies that enhance opportunity for all.
“I believe that even with Trump’s reckless actions, there’s still hope. I will always fight to keep our communities safe. I will always fight to help families make ends meet. And I will always fight to keep our communities, home for everyone who wants to live peacefully.
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
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her fight for smart policies that keep every community safe as chair of the new House Gun Violence Prevention Committee.
“I am honored to be appointed chairwoman of this critical, new committee. Firearms are now the number one cause of death of our children both in our state and our country. And while we have made recent strides enacting common sense gun safety policies here in Illinois, there is more work to be done,” Hirschauer said. “Gun violence looks different in communities across our state, but it affects everyone. This committee was made to ensure that we create and implement common sense policies in an open transparent process with input from constituents, law enforcement, and state agencies. Our number one job in Springfield is to keep our constituents safe. The rippling trauma of gun violence echoes across our communities, and the work of our committee will honor the voices of survivors, and the stories of those we have lost.”
Hirschauer has spent her time in Springfield fighting for positive change and demanding commonsense gun safety laws. A founding member of the Kane and Kendall County chapter of Moms Demand Action, Hirschauer took her fight to Springfield where she has been instrumental in the passage of Illinois’ assault weapons ban, regulations stopping the flow of untraceable ‘ghost guns,’ and most recently the passage of Karina’s Bill, which strengthens protection orders to get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.
Hirschauer will continue this work, and collaborate with colleagues and activists from across the state, as chair of the new Gun Violence Prevention Committee, which will be the House’s primary committee dealing with the issue of gun violence.
“I will make it my priority to listen to all Illinois residents and create and pass laws that will protect us and our communities,” Hirschauer said. “The bills we pass in the General Assembly have real life and death consequences and I am honored to lead the conversations in the House on common sense gun safety policies. I look forward to digging into a wide variety of legislative ideas from safe storage to community violence prevention initiatives and beyond.
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
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her efforts to develop fiscally and socially responsible budgets, protect communities from gun violence, and help families make ends meet in a new term in the Illinois House.
“It is truly an honor to continue representing the communities of the 49th District, and to be back in Springfield doing the work that I love to do for Illinois families and constituents,” said Hirschauer. “This session, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility so we can provide economic relief to the people of Illinois. I will continue to fight for commonsense gun safety policies that will keep our communities safe, and focus on access to affordable healthcare for all.”
Hirschauer began a new term Wednesday, with a focus on protecting access to the critical service people need to be their best during difficult financial times. Over her time in the House, Hirschauer has championed balanced budgets that also make smart investments in local schools, in affordable college education, and in healthcare and senior care. That will remain a top priority as finances tighten and federal leaders push severe cuts to the resources working families and seniors need.
Hirschauer will also continue working to crack down on hidden ‘junk fees’ that increase the cost of everyday essentials. In 2024, Hirschauer eliminated a state grocery tax to help offset some rising costs in fluctuating markets. She also worked to address the rising cost of healthcare, by controlling premium increases, cracking down on gimmicks that deny people access to care, and getting junk insurance plans out of the market.
“As inflation and costs increase, I strive to maintain an economy that will support working people and families in my district who are struggling to put food on their tables and make ends meet,” said Hirschauer. “I will continue my work on passing a statewide safe firearm storage policy that will save lives. Our number one job in the General Assembly is to keep our constituents safe and provide support for them and their families to live full and healthy lives. I look forward to continuing the work of the people.”
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
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, delivered Karina’s Bill (HB4144), legislation that will protect domestic violence survivors from firearms. The product of years of negotiation and advocacy by Hirschauer along with domestic violence and gun violence prevention advocates, Karina’s Bill will clarify and strengthen the law regarding the firearm remedy in criminal and civil orders of protection.
“After years of fighting in Springfield and in the courts, and after extensive negotiation and advocacy, the passage of Karina’s Bill marks a significant step forward in protecting domestic violence survivors from firearms,” Hirschauer said. “This survivor-centered bill honors the memory of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter Daniela who were murdered by an abuser who should have never had access to a firearm.
Everyone who dreams of a future without gender-based violence knows that we cannot erase tragedies in the past, but we can and we must work to build a better future in memory of victims, survivors, and all who love them. The passage of Karina’s Bill is a long overdue step in that direction.”
Karina’s Bill combats the deadly combination of guns and domestic violence by strengthening the firearm remedy within the order of protection process and empowering judges with the ability to order the removal of guns from abusers who have been deemed a credible danger. The bill also clarifies the process for survivors, judges, and law enforcement when the firearm remedy is involved in criminal and civil orders of protections. Research has shown that the presence of a gun in a home where domestic abuse occurs increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
“In a domestic abuse situation, a gun becomes a means of control. It is used to stop survivors from leaving threatening situations, it can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, and ultimately it can turn a dangerous situation into a deadly situation,” Hirschauer said. “This bill is about protecting survivors. And most importantly, it is about valuing women’s lives more than we value guns.”
