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Gov. Rauner Signs Molly's Law

Governor Bruce Rauner visited southern Illinois Tuesday to sign legislation known as Molly's Law.

The two new laws strengthen Illinois' Freedom of Information Act, including fines for those who fail to comply with court orders, and extend the time a victim's family has to file a wrongful death lawsuit from two to five years.
Governor Rauner signed the new measure at SIU's Transportation Education Center at the Southern Illinois Airport. He says it's an important day for Illinois families seeking justice.
 
"Molly's Law is important protection for families, victims who've suffered from violent action...who need to bring justice and bring closure from that process."
 
The laws were inspired by a Carbondale woman's death. Molly Young died of a gunshot wound to the head in March 2012.  Her father, Larry Young, has fought for several years, demanding information from Carbondale Police, Illinois State Police, and others in the investigation into his daughter's death. Young says victims' families deserve better.

Gov. Rauner signs bill
Credit Brad Palmer

"There should be a transparency, an openness, at least with the victim's family if nothing else, and that hasn't happened. We've had to fight every inch of the way."

State Representative Terri Bryant was the chief sponsor of both bills. She joined the governor for the signing at SIU's Transportation Education Center.

The Murphysboro republican says this shows when there is good government, both sides of the aisle can come together.
 
"The best that's within us came to the top. And that best that is within us voted in a way that makes something like this happen."

Larry Young says he would like to meet with Illinois State Police director Leo Schmitz to talk about the investigation into his daughter's death.
 
"I believe if a new investigator is appointed to this - that does it an unbiased way - that has not ties to these local investigators, that he will see this is a homicide easily. There's no forensic facts that show its suicide."
 
The new laws take effect January 1st.

 

As a news producer and news anchor on All Things Considered, Brad provides the listeners with a recap of the day's top local and state news as well as breaking news at any given time. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiunews@wsiu.org
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