South Cook News

Nicole La Ha, an incumbent state representative and candidate for Illinois State House District 82, has brought attention to a legislative package from the Truth in Public Safety (TIPS) working group. This package includes one bill that La Ha sponsored and two others that she co-sponsored.

"Our colleagues in the Truth in Public Safety (TIPS) working group have laid out a bold legislative package to help deter crime, better protect victims, and support law enforcement in Illinois," said Nicole La Ha Zwiercan, Candidate for State Representative, according to Facebook.

La Ha, currently campaigning for re-election to the 82nd District following her appointment to fill a vacancy left by John Egofske's resignation, shared a link to a report from Our Quad Cities regarding the legislative package. The article spotlighted three proposals: amending the SAFE-T Act to encompass more offenses that would retain suspects in custody before trial, including all felonies; and creating an income tax credit for full-time first responders.

Screenshot of Rep. Nicole La Ha's March 22 Facebook post. | State Representative Nicole La Ha Facebook page

The bill within the package that La Ha sponsored is House Bill 5134. According to the Illinois General Assembly webpage for the bill, this legislation proposes changes to the state’s Sex Offender Registration Act to include "trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor" as components of the definition of "sex offense" under the act. La Ha introduced this bill in the House on Feb. 8, and it has since been assigned to the judiciary-criminal committee.

La Ha also co-sponsored House Bill 5129. This proposed law stipulates that an individual who poses a clear and present danger to themselves or others must be reported to the Department of Human Services. Furthermore, it requires law enforcement officials or school administrators to notify local law enforcement agencies and the Illinois State Police.

Additionally, she co-sponsored House Bill 5133. This proposed legislation would permit county sheriffs to establish a model where first responders collaborate with social workers. Social workers in these units would be responsible for conducting follow-up visits for victims who could benefit from mental health or behavioral health support. The bill also details how to set up these co-responder units, their training procedures, and what would be considered privileged communications. Rep. Amy L. Grant initially filed this bill on Feb. 8, the same day that La Ha signed on as a chief co-sponsor.