Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich), a longtime advocate for victims of human trafficking, expressed his dissent on House Bill 3653, saying that it would cause further abuse to victims.

“Reforming the criminal justice system to address critical problems is needed but it is also clear that the way House Bill  3653 was rushed through at the 11th hour has created concerning issues that would have devastating consequences for the victims.”

Bos said, as a victim advocate he felt he had to speak despite not being a part of the assembly that voted on the legislation.

“So, when I consider that under House Bill 3653, a victim, like a child who has been sexually abused and trafficked, could be compelled to face their attacker at a hearing within hours of an assault or from being rescued from a trafficker – I’m frankly at a loss,” he said. “The trauma that would cause this victim is unthinkable.” 

Being a father of two daughters and spending time with children who are recovering and healing from their abuse, Bos said he can’t imagine putting them through that distress.

He further said that many victims will not have the courage to tell their stories, a reason why the bill should be vetoed to allow for a more thorough public debate.