Dear friend,
Protecting kids and keeping our communities safe isn’t just a priority, it’s some of the most important work I’m doing in Springfield right now. I recently testified on my bill, Senate Bill 2381, which cracks down on people who secretly record minors in private places. It’s about updating our laws to better protect children from exploitation.
I’m also proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 267, which ensures traffickers and exploiters are held fully accountable for their actions. With April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this work feels even more urgent. I’m committed to making sure families have the resources and protections they need to prevent abuse and keep our kids safe.
Darby Hills
Illinois State Senator, 26th District
Taking a Stand Against Child Exploitation in Illinois
As a former prosecutor and an advocate for children and families, Senator Darby Hills understands the critical need for strong laws to protect children. This week, she testified in committee for the first time on her legislation, Senate Bill 2381, which strengthens protections for minors in Illinois. The bill would require individuals who secretly record minors in private spaces—when there is clear evidence of sexual motivation—to register as sex offenders. Senator Hills says the measure will give law enforcement better tools, support community safety, and ensure Illinois law reflects the seriousness of these offenses. She remains committed to holding those who exploit children fully accountable.
Fighting Human Trafficking
Senator Hills is working with fellow lawmakers to close dangerous loopholes in Illinois law and ensure traffickers and exploiters—especially those who target children—face real consequences.
Senate Bill 267, which Senator Hills co-sponsors, would require individuals who force others into sex work or exploit them for pornography to register as sex offenders.
Currently, those who traffic children or coerce adults into sex work aren’t automatically required to register. SB 267 closes that loophole, ensuring traffickers and facilitators are held fully accountable and prevented from reoffending. Senator Hills believes more must be done to close legal gaps and protect vulnerable individuals—especially children—from exploitation.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and promote efforts to keep children safe. This year’s theme, Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention, emphasizes the importance of supporting families and communities to stop abuse before it happens.
Senator Hills, who also runs a local children’s charity that provides essential services to more than 500 children every week, says strong communities are essential to protecting children by ensuring families have access to vital resources like counseling, mental health services, and family advocacy programs. Throughout April, awareness events will take place across Illinois, including press conferences, pinwheel plantings, and art exhibits featuring work by children in care.
