Bill > SB0131

This bill amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to raise the age of sexual consent from 17 to 18 years old across several criminal sexual offense statutes. The changes affect definitions and penalties for various sexual assault and sexual abuse offenses, specifically modifying language related to age thresholds in sections covering criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The key modifications include changing references from "17" to "18" years of age in clauses that describe scenarios involving sexual conduct with minors, such as when an offender is in a position of trust or authority, or when there is a significant age difference between the perpetrator and victim. These amendments effectively extend legal protections for individuals under 18 by expanding the circumstances under which sexual contact with a minor can be considered a criminal offense, and in some cases, increasing the severity of potential penalties. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive legal safeguards for individuals who are not yet legally considered adults, reflecting a broader societal commitment to protecting younger individuals from sexual exploitation.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=131&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104