HB 425

Abstract

Amends the Department of State Police Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of State Police shall establish a Project Safe Child pilot program to combat crimes against children facilitated by the Internet. Encourages the prosecution in federal court of all persons who use the Internet, directly or indirectly, to commit or attempt to commit illegal solicitation of a child or a sex offense if the sex offense is committed or attempted against a child. Provides that the program shall also encourage public outreach by law enforcement agencies. Creates the Project Safe Child Fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund, subject to appropriation, shall be used by the Department of State Police to develop and administer the program. Amends the Sex Offender Management Board Act, the Criminal Code of 1961, the Unified Code of Corrections, and the Sex Offender Registration Act. Creates the offense of illegal solicitation of a child. Provides that a person commits the offense of illegal solicitation of a child when he or she intentionally solicits, lures, or attempts to solicit or lure a child under 18 years of age to any location without the consent of the parent or lawful custodian of the child for other than a lawful purpose or intentionally contacts or communicates with, or attempts to contact or communicate with a child, for the purpose of engaging in an unlawful act with the child. Provides that a violation is a Class 4 felony for a first offense and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent offense. Changes the elements of the offense relating to distributing harmful material for a child. Makes it child pornography to solicit, persuade, induce, entice, seduce, or coerce a child under 18 years of age to pose for a photograph, videotape, or a digital image in any posture or setting that could be construed as child erotica. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.