Illinois HB4659 expands the definition of domestic battery to include coercive control over family or household members.

Illinois HB4659 amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to redefine domestic battery to include coercive control over family or household members. Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty, including isolating the person from support, depriving them of basic necessities, and monitoring their communications and activities. The bill also updates the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to include coercive control in the definition of abuse.

Illinois HB4659 expands the definition of domestic battery to include coercive control over family or household members.

Illinois HB4659 amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to redefine domestic battery to include coercive control over family or household members. Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty, including isolating the person from support, depriving them of basic necessities, and monitoring their communications and activities. The bill also updates the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to include coercive control in the definition of abuse.