(The Center Square) – A state lawmaker is proposing a commission to investigate the ties that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network had with Illinois.
State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, filed House Bill 5723 on Monday.
Rashid said the bill would establish the Epstein Files Investigation Commission, charged with examining crimes that involved people and institutions subject to Illinois law.
“The commission will hold public hearings, issue reports and operate under our state’s transparency laws while protecting confidential information and active investigations,” Rashid said.
Rashid promised that no one would be exonerated or presumed guilty.
“The commission will have subpoena power backed by the courts. It can gather records, take testimony and refer evidence of criminal conduct to the attorney general or other appropriate authorities for prosecution,” Rashid said.
Rashid said he had not yet talked with the governor, legislative leaders or Republicans, but he said all were welcome to support HB 5723.
“It gives the governor the ability to appoint the ten members of the commission, again bipartisan, and they need to be qualified to handle investigations like these,” Rashid said.
League of Women Voters Chicago activist Jane Ruby said Illinois must act if the federal government will not fully pursue truth and accountability.
“If justice remains a locked door in Washington, then let our state be the battering ram. Let Illinois lead the way. Other states will follow,” Ruby said.
Rashid said testimony would be confidential when requested and trauma-informed support would be provided for survivors who come forward.
