Lawmakers push bills to close loopholes, increase penalties for child sex offenders

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A state senator and former prosecutor says it is time to change Illinois law that allows people who record or transmit video of minors without authorization to avoid registering as sex offenders.

State Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, said Senate Bill 2381 would require people to register as sex offenders if they exploit a minor through unauthorized recording.

“This is about accountability. This is about closing a loophole that should have never existed. And most importantly, this is about protecting children,” Hills said.

Hills said she prosecuted cases that involved child victims when she was an assistant state’s attorney in Cook County.

“Those cases never leave you,” Hills said.

Despite bipartisan support, SB 2381 did not pass the General Assembly last spring.

The bill was reassigned to the Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee last month.

State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said Illinois is a major transportation and commercial hub, which makes the state especially vulnerable to sex trafficking.

Rezin said Andrew’s Law, Senate Bill 284, would eliminate plea deals for individuals charged with involuntary servitude of a minor, trafficking involving a minor or grooming.

“If someone is accused of exploiting a child in these ways, they should not be able to plead down to a lesser offense,” Rezin said.

The bill would also make it a Class 4 felony for a child sex offender to be present at a facility that exclusively provides entertainment for minors.

State Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, said Senate Bill 1572 would increase penalties for human trafficking and related crimes by one felony class.

“We need to send a clear message that we will not allow this to happen in our state,” Turner said.

SB 284 and SB 1572 remain in the Illinois Senate Assignments Committee.