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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.
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