IL HB4659

Adds "coercive control" as a form of domestic battery under the Criminal Code of 2012, making it a criminal offense when committed against a family or household member

Defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty, including isolating victims from support, monitoring communications and finances, depriving basic necessities, and reproductive coercion

Specifies that coercive control can be committed directly or through third parties using any method including phones, text messages, online accounts, and internet-connected devices

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 and Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to include coercive control in the definition of "abuse," allowing victims to seek protective orders

Provides exceptions for actions taken pursuant to court orders, court-approved legal agreements, law enforcement direction, or to protect a child's safety