Sen. Hills filed Senate Bill 2381, which would require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of unauthorized video recording of minors in private spaces if the offense was found to be sexually motivated. Sen. Hills’ legislation was introduced in response to an incident in Illinois in which a repeat offender was caught videotaping his students in a bathroom but was not required to register as a sex offender.
According to the senator, this was just one of several incidents that have recently come to light and exposed a serious gap in current Illinois law. As the law currently stands, offenders can avoid sex offender registration even in cases involving the secret recording of children in bathrooms, locker rooms, or other private areas.
“There is a dangerous gap in Illinois law that puts children at risk,” Hills said. “In today’s world of hidden cameras, smartphones, and online distribution, the harm does not end when the recording stops. Digital exploitation can follow a child for years. Our laws must reflect that reality.”
Below are some of the interviews and stories highlighting this effort:
WCIA – Illinois Senate Republicans unveil plan combatting child trafficking and exploitation
WAND News – IL GOP introduce bills to protect children from exploitation
WBBM Newsradio Chicago – Senator Darby Hills
NPR Illinois – Illinois Republican lawmakers look to stiffen penalties for child sex crimes
The Eagle 102.3 – New Illinois bills aim to ensure human traffickers stay locked up
NBC Chicago – Bill aims to close loophole in sexual offense laws
Advantage News – Lawmakers push bills to close loopholes, increase penalties for child sex offenders