Metro East Sun

Illinois Sen. Terri Bryant and other Republicans are promoting legislation to combat the fentanyl epidemic, saying the party wants to side with victims rather than protecting criminals.

"Over the past few years, we have seen too many policies enacted that prioritize criminals in our justice system and ignore the victims of their crimes,” Bryan wrote in an April 24 Facebook post. “We need to send a signal to victims that we hear them, stand with them and will fight for them to see justice.”

In her post, Bryant shared a link to a release on her website, which focused on a press conference by Republicans, including State Senators Dale Fowler, Sally Turner, Sue Rezin, Steve McClure, and Bryant. The legislation they proposed would combat fentanyl trafficking and "provide justice for victims of crime. the release added.

“When we talk about crime, all too often the focus is on those who commit crimes rather than on the victims most impacted by it,” Fowler said during the press conference. “Victims need justice. Families need justice, and that’s what we are here to talk about today.”

Senate Bill 1974 Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 by elevating the charge when an individual who commits domestic battery against an individual 60 years of age or older to the crime of Aggravated Domestic Battery. Bryant filed the legislation on Feb. 9.

Senate Bill 1976, also filed Feb. 9 by Bryant, creates a new criminal offense, called Domestic Assault. That makes it easier for law enforcement to pursue domestic offenders who knowingly place any family member of their household in fear they are about to be seriously harmed. It also ensures that defendants released from custody ahead of a trial be ordered not to contact their alleged victims or enter their homes for a minimum of 72 hours, the release stated.