New Illinois Bills Aim to Ensure Human Traffickers Stay Behind Bars

Several Illinois Republican lawmakers are pushing new legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking and making sure offenders spend more time behind bars.

Three separate bills were recently filed in the Illinois Senate as part of a broader effort to strengthen the state's response to human trafficking crimes.  Supporters say the proposals target organized trafficking operations and add tougher consequences for those who exploit minors.

New Illinois Bills Aim to Ensure Human Traffickers Stay Behind Bars

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One of the bills comes from Sally Turned, a Republican from Lincoln.  Her proposal?  It would increase the severity of the charges tied to human trafficking crimes, rising them to be more serious felony levels.  It would also increase the maximum prison sentence for certain Class X trafficking felonies from 30 years to 45 years.

The strong penalties are necessary because trafficking operations often involve organized criminal networks that prey on vulnerable people.

“These crimes rob our children of their safety, their stability and their future,” Turner said. “The impact can last for a lifetime for both the victim and their families.”

Another proposal comes from Su Rezin of Morris, and it's called Andrew's Law.  The bill would eliminate plea deals for cases involving trafficking, grooming, or sexual servitude crimes against a minor.  It would also make crimes a Class 4 felony for a registered child sex offender to work at an entertainment venue designed for children.

The third bill is by Darby Hills.  This one would require anyone who sexually exploits a minor through unauthorized recording to be registered as a sex offender.

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While lawmakers are pushing for stronger enforcement, advocates say Illinois has already made progress in recent years.  Supporters of the new proposals in Illinois say these bills would build on the progress and close gaps that traffickers could still exploit.  All three bills are moving forward in the legislative process as we speak.