Senator Wilcox Files “Mary Ann’s Law” in Illinois Senate
Last week I filed legislation designed to improve police training on identifying homicides that may have been staged to look like suicides. The bill, known as Mary Ann’s Law, is based on a strangulation death that occurred in an Illinois north shore community in 1996. While initially classified as a suspicious death then later changed to suicide, the Mary Ann Hayes crime scene included several questionable findings that would suggest she did not take her own life; she was murdered.
Sadly, in the Hayes case there was a history of domestic violence, including coercive control. When she died, she was found on the floor with a cord near the body. Science tells us that suicide by strangulation is nearly impossible without a locking mechanism or leverage on the device used, because when a person falls unconscious during a strangulation attempt, unless a locking mechanism or leverage holds the tension in place, all pressure is removed and oxygen begins flowing to the brain, preventing death.
Mary Ann’s Law aims to equip law enforcement officers with the knowledge and tools to better investigate such complex cases. Specifically, Senate Bill 1781 will mandate enhanced training for police to recognize staged suicides, particularly in instances involving a history of domestic violence. This new standard would require officers to closely scrutinize crime scenes for signs of domestic abuse, manipulation, or intentional staging.
The bill outlines a set of specific criteria that, when met, would require a deeper investigation into a death that appears to be a suicide. The criteria include:
- The victim died prematurely or in an untimely manner
- The scene appears on the surface to be a death by suicide or accidental death
- One partner ended or wanted to end their relationship
- A history of domestic violence and/or coercive control exists
- The victim is found in a home or place of residence or business
- The body is found by a current or former partner or family member
- A history of domestic violence that includes strangulation or suffocation exists
- A current or previous partner or child of the victim or family member was the last person to see the victim alive
- A partner had control of the crime scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement
- The victim’s body has been moved or evidence has been altered in some way
If three or more of these warning signs are present, law enforcement would be required to interview family and friends for context and could request a full autopsy before drawing any conclusions about the cause of death.
The goal here is not to undermine the work of first responders and investigators but to provide additional tools for solving cases where abusers attempt to cover up their crimes. This bill would ensure they have the training to spot the signs that could reveal a hidden homicide, prevent abusers from getting away with murder, and bring justice to victims and their families.
Wilcox Fights for Taxpayer Transparency on Non-Citizen Spending
With Illinois facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit, this year I am the leading Chief Co-sponsor of legislation that demands greater transparency regarding taxpayer dollars spent on programs for illegal immigrants. Senate Bill 1699 would require detailed annual reports on migrant/illegal immigrant spending to ensure accountability and protect taxpayers.
Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has increased spending on programs for non-citizens—from a few million to over $1 billion annually—offering free healthcare, legal services, free drivers licenses, and housing to fulfill his goal of making Illinois “the most welcoming state in the nation.” Over the past 2 ½ years, he has issued 30 monthly emergency declarations, using executive authority to redirect taxpayer dollars without legislative oversight. This unchecked spending comes as families struggle with high taxes and rising living costs, while the administration continues to withhold basic cost details despite Senate Republican inquiries.
SB 1699 would specifically require the Illinois Department of Human Services, in coordination with other relevant state agencies, to submit an annual report to the General Assembly on state spending for non-citizens. The report would include details on the total amount spent, specific appropriations, the number of families impacted, funding sources, and contracts awarded for services such as healthcare, housing, and legal support. The report would also be publicly available online for taxpayer transparency. The bill also requires the Governor to include a detailed accounting of all proposed spending on non-citizen populations in future state budgets.
Wilcox, DeWitte, Syverson Welcome MCCOG to Springfield
Last Wednesday I got to spend some time with key government leaders when representatives from the McHenry County Council of Government (MCCOG) were in Springfield for their annual lobby day. We had a nice conversation about the group’s legislative priorities for 2025, not the least of which is the protection of Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDG) receipts that are received from the State and help them balance their local budgets. We’re shown here in a meeting with Senator Minority Leader John Curran.
New Lawsuit Seeks to End Governor Pritzker’s Harmful Sanctuary Policies
Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the State of Illinois, claiming its sanctuary laws, primarily the TRUST Act, impede the Trump Administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants. Click here to read the law suit.
The DOJ’s lawsuit accuses Illinois leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, of actively hindering federal immigration enforcement by limiting local law enforcement’s ability to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
Under the Trust Act, Illinois law enforcement is prohibited from:
- Transferring violent criminals to ICE except under very limited conditions
- Sharing critical information about violent criminals with ICE
- Participating in federal immigration enforcement, even when dealing with dangerous individuals
Governor Pritzker’s obstruction of justice has created legal obstacles that shield violent and other offenders from deportation, leaving Illinois communities vulnerable. This lawsuit seeks to hold the Governor accountable for these dangerous decisions and restore law enforcement’s ability to work with ICE to keep our communities safe.
Illinois Taxpayers: Don’t Miss Out on Key Tax Credits for 2024!
The Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding eligible taxpayers to claim available tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns to reduce their tax liability or increase refunds.
I would encourage all Illinoisans to take advantage of the available tax credits when filing their 2024 returns. With many families facing financial challenges, these credits provide important relief by reducing tax burdens or increasing refunds.
Key Tax Credits for 2024:
- Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Available for low-to-moderate-income working individuals. To qualify, taxpayers must file a return and meet income and age requirements.
- Illinois Child Tax Credit (CTC): A new credit for 2024, worth 20% of the Illinois EITC, for taxpayers who qualify for EITC and have a child under 12. The credit will increase to 40% in 2025.
- Volunteer Emergency Worker Credit (VEW): Available for qualified volunteer emergency workers with a certificate from MyTax Illinois.
- Education Expense Credit: Offers a 25% credit on qualifying educational expenses over $250 for parents or guardians of full-time K-12 students.
- Illinois Property Tax Credit: A 5% credit for property taxes paid on a principal residence.
For more details, click here or call 1-800-732-8866.