As part of a sweeping civil rights package responding to recent federal actions in immigrant and working-class communities, a proposal spearheaded by State Senator Villanueva to protect the right of all Illinois residents to safely access courthouses without fear of harassment, detention or intimidation has become law. House Bill 1312, among other things, establishes Courthouse Safe Zones to ensure individuals can participate in judicial proceedings without risk of civil arrest. The law designates a 1,000-foot perimeter around courthouses—including parking areas and surrounding streets—as protected areas. It also sets clear penalties for violations, including civil damages, statutory fines of $10,000 and potential contempt of court charges. The law follows years of advocacy from community organizations, attorneys and legal aid groups who reported that individuals, particularly immigrants and survivors of violence, often avoided court appearances due to fear of being targeted by federal agents. House Bill 1312 was signed into law Tuesday and will take effect immediately.