Lemont, IL…State Representative Nicole La Ha announced today that House Bill 4659 has passed the Illinois House, advancing legislation that gives survivors of domestic abuse a way to defend themselves against debt they never agreed to.
“Survivors work hard to rebuild their lives, and many are met with another challenge when debt tied to abuse follows them into the future,” Rep. La Ha said. “This bill gives them a chance to be heard and to stand up against financial harm they did not choose.”
HB 4659 allows survivors to raise an affirmative defense in court when a loan was taken out through coercion tied to abuse. The measure ensures that survivors have the opportunity to share their experience in a legal setting and seek relief from financial obligations connected to that abuse.
Financial abuse can leave lasting impacts, often surfacing long after someone has left an unsafe situation. By creating a clear legal path to address coerced debt, HB 4659 strengthens fairness in the court system and supports survivors as they move toward stability and independence.
HB 4659 passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.