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Sen.
Brady's efforts successful as lawmakers approve 'Jessica's Law'
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[March 19, 2010]
SPRINGFIELD -- Keeping the state's
worst child predators off the streets and away from Illinois
children is the aim of legislation sponsored by state Sen. Bill
Brady, R-Bloomington, and approved by lawmakers.
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 "Two years ago, 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford of Florida was raped and
murdered by a convicted sex offender. Florida lawmakers passed
‘Jessica's Law' in 2005, and more than 20 other states have since
passed tougher laws targeting sexual criminals who prey on
children," Brady said. "Illinois needs to do more to protect the
innocence of our most vulnerable citizens from these predators, and
I am pleased we were successful in passing this legislation."The
44th District senator led efforts to pass "Jessica's Law" in
Illinois.
Senate Bill 1397 would make criminal sexual assault a Class X
felony if the rapist has previously been convicted of any sex
offense; currently it is a Class X felony only if the offender had
been previously convicted of criminal sexual assault.
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 The legislation will also change the conditions for the release
of sex offenders by requiring them to take an annual polygraph exam,
maintain a log of their travel and obtain prior approval from their
parole officers before driving alone in a motor vehicle. It also
requires convicted sexual predators who are subject to GPS
monitoring to pay for the cost of monitoring.
Senate Bill 1397 was passed by the Senate July 11 and by the
House of Representatives June 28. The bill now heads to the governor
and will become law with his signature.
If signed into law, it will take effect June 1, 2008.
[Text from news release sent on
behalf of
Sen.
Bill Brady by Illinois
Senate Republican staff]
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