SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) to allow more people to report suspicions of abuse that may have contributed to a senior citizen’s death.

House Bill 2858 states that any person may report information about the suspicious death of an eligible adult to an agency designated to receive such reports or to the Illinois Department on Aging.

“When it comes to the health and well-being of older Illinoisans, we should not limit sources of information about any abuse or harm they may have experienced,” Tracy said. “We need access to people who interact with senior citizens on a regular basis and might have important information about possible abusive behavior. And those who are brave enough to come forward in good faith to make such reports should not have to worry about discrimination resulting from an employer.”

House Bill 2858 prohibits employers from discriminating against any employee who makes a good faith oral or written report concerning information about the suspicious death of an eligible adult.

In cases involving mandated reporters, the legislation states that if they have reason to believe that the death of an eligible adult is the result of abuse or neglect, the matter shall be reported to the agency designated to receive such reports or to the Department for subsequent referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency and coroner or medical examiner.

Passed by a 113-0 vote of the House of Representatives on March 22 and a 56-0 vote of the Senate on May 19, House Bill 2858 now moves to the House for concurrence with changes made to it in the Senate.