2 efforts in Illinois attempt to change sex offender laws
http://www.sj-r.com/news/20160725/2-efforts-in-illinois-attempt-to-change-sex-offender-laws
Posted Jul. 25, 2016 at 2:48 PM
CHICAGO — Two separate efforts have arisen in Illinois that attempt to alter laws governing sex offenders in Illinois.
A group of five registered child sex offenders has filed a federal lawsuit in Chicago, saying Illinois sex offender laws are unconstitutional because they’re too vague.
Separate from the legal challenge, the Illinois legislature is also tackling the issue of whether laws governing those convicted of sex crimes involving children need to be reconsidered. A bill passed by lawmakers and awaiting Gov. Bruce Rauner’s consideration would form a task force dedicated to assessing whether sex offenders should be classified by the type of risk they pose.
The public’s fear of such offenders means that any attempt to loosen restrictions is likely to face resistance, the Chicago Tribune reported.
“My sympathies are limited,” said Sean Black, spokesman for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “I’m much more concerned about the victim than the offender. That doesn’t mean there can’t be tweaks to try to make it better and more rehabilitative.”
Black said the organization believes sex offenders need to be monitored in order for the public to be safe, as many offenders have more than one victim.
A U.S. Department of Justice study in 2004 found that 5 percent of sex offenders were rearrested for another sex crime within three years.
Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside, said he supports sex offender laws, but that they might be burdensome for police to enforce. He said streamlining them could protect the public further.
“The one time that person reoffends, the hue and cry from the public will be, ‘Lawmakers, you failed us,'” he said.