SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill moving to the Illinois House floor could help sexual assault survivors when they first interact with police.

The proposal would give survivors the right to be interviewed by an officer of their sex or gender. House Bill 4394 also states law enforcement should inform survivors they can have a support person present during any interview.

Sponsors said the support person could be removed if they disrupt or undermine the investigation.

"This is designed to be a trauma-informed approach that will better serve victims," said Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove). "Also, we believe it will increase the quality of these investigations and make it more likely for perpetrators to be held accountable."

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association told the House Police and Fire Committee they appreciate the bill’s intent, but leaders said many departments don’t have female officers to conduct the interviews.

"We understand trying to address the issues and obviously make them as comfortable as possible," said Executive Director Jim Kaitschuk. "But, we also understand the timeline associated with this to make sure we don’t upset a crime scene by waiting too long and those kinds of issues."

This plan passed out of the House Police and Fire Committee on a 10-2 vote Friday morning. Although Didech said he plans to file amended language in the coming weeks to address the concerns.

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