Illinois' 97th State House District issued the following announcement on March 12.
State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) has filed legislation to strengthen the state’s sex offender registry. The legislation, HB886, would close sex offender loopholes that exist in current Illinois statutes to help protect children and prevent any form of sexual assault.
The Representative has been working on this legislation since 2015, when it was brought to his attention by a constituent in his 97th District. The bill is referred to as “Stephanie’s Law” after the young woman who was affected.
Stephanie’s Law, HB886, would a person to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act if convicted of a battery determined by the courts to be sexually motivated, and committed by someone over 21 assaulting somebody under 17. The loophole that currently exists does not include a provision for a sexually motivated battery within the misdemeanor battery statute.
Representative Batinick collaborated with the Will, Kendall and DuPage County State’s Attorneys to develop a comprehensive law to help protect Illinois residents.
“As a father, closing this loophole is imperative,” said Batinick. “I have done everything in my power to get this legislation passed, however it has met roadblocks in the General Assembly and as a result, has yet to be signed into law. This year, I have again filed legislation to create Stephanie’s Law—to ensure all citizens are protected from sexual predators.”
Although the bill has a wide bipartisan support, it is still currently in the Sex Offenses and Sex Offender Registration Subcommittee. You can pledge your support for this legislation by clicking here.
Original source can be found here.
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