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Hastings’ missing persons identification measure passes Senate
State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ passing legislation in the Senate that would accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.
“Law enforcement often starts, and sometimes stops, with criminal databases like CODIS for DNA or criminal fingerprint records,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).
“Those are strong tools, but they fail when the missing person has no criminal history.”
Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 would update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice.
After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.
Dental records, including charts and radiographs, are among the most reliable tools available when fingerprints or other identifiers are unavailable. By ensuring dental data is available earlier, the measure aims to improve identification outcomes and help families find closure.
The measure builds on recent improvements made to Illinois’ missing persons framework, including the elimination of waiting periods for accepting missing persons reports and earlier collection of identifying information such as fingerprints, photographs and biological samples. The earlier reforms also require law enforcement to enter missing persons records into LEADS immediately upon receipt of a report and into NamUs after 60 days, supporting broader and faster inquiry across jurisdictions.
“Many people have never been in the criminal system, yet they may have submitted fingerprints or biometrics for innocent reasons,” said Hastings. “If non-criminal systems aren’t searched promptly, leads fade and families wait longer for answers.”
Senate Bill 2949 passed the full Senate Thursday with bipartisan support.
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