In July, Gov. Ryan signed legislation authorizing courts to notify schools (including public and private schools and colleges and universities) and day-care facilities if a child is the subject of an order of protection.

On April 28, 2001, the Illinois Department of Human Services (department) adopted a new part to section 501 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

If signed into law, legislation recently passed by both houses of the Illinois General Assembly would provide greater protection for abused spouses.

Public Act 91-262 makes a domestic battery offender ``liable for the cost of any counseling required'' for a child under 18 years of age who ``was present and witnessed the domestic battery.''

Prior to Public Act 91-112, any first-time offense of domestic battery was a Class A misdemeanor, unless the offender previously violated an order of protection.

Three pieces of legislation signed in July and August by Governor George Ryan are intended to further deter and combat domestic battery.

Public Act 91-445 amends the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961, 720 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq., to create the offense of aggravated domestic battery.

In determining policyholder ``rating, underwriting, or claims handling'' decisions, insurance companies cannot solely consider the fact of domestic violence injuries.

According to Public Act 90-734, domestic battery committed by a defendant with a prior conviction for violating an order of protection is a Class 4 felony.