2005 LEGISLATIVE SESSION   The following laws concerning victims’ rights and services were enacted during the 2005 legislative session and, unless otherwise noted, go into effect on October 1, 2005.   Strengthening of Restraining/Protective Orders (Public Act No. 05-147) A protective order can now be issued when offender arrested for harassment 1st degree or harassment 2nd degree.  Before issuing such an order, the Court must find that the crime caused the victim to reasonably fear for his/her physical safety. If offender convicted of violating a protective order, court can issue a standing criminal restraining order. Penalty increased for violating a restraining order; it now becomes a Class D Felony (before Oct. 1, 2005, it was a Class A Misdemeanor; punishment up to 1 year in prison).  A Class D Felony exposes the offender to 5 years incarceration, a $5,000 fine, or both. Expansion of Notification to Crime Victims (Public Act No. 05-169, Sec. 4) Beginning October 1, 2005, law enforcement officials are required to provide all crime victims at the scene of a crime with an informational card that provides information about victim rights and contact information for victim service providers.  Prior to October 1, 2005, law enforcement officials were only required by law to provide this informational card to victims who sustained physical injury as a result of the crime.   Expanded Victim Notification—Re-entry Furloughs (Public Act No. 05-152, Sec. 12 & 13; P.A. 05-68) Beginning October 1, 2005, when an inmate is released into the community (under supervision) for purposes of reintegration, the victim is entitled to receive notice from the Office of Victim Services, provided the victim has applied to receive notification.  Inmates are allowed to serve an unspecified period of time (up to 30 days) being reintegrated into the community immediately preceding his/her discharge or release on parole.    Attendance and Participation in Juvenile and YO Court Proceedings (Public Act No. 05-169) Judges can no longer exclude crime victims from court proceedings in Juvenile or Youthful Offender proceedings unless the judge finds good cause to do so and only after hearing from the parties, including the victim.  The judge must clearly and specifically state any reason for exclusion on the court record. In Youthful Offender proceedings, crime victims can address the court regarding and plea agreement and, again, at sentencing. Extension of Eligibility for Crime Victim Compensation (Public Act No. 05-249, Sec. 7) The deadline for eligible crime victims or immediate family members to request OVS to waive the time limit (2 years) for submitting a victim compensation application has been eliminated.