Bill > HB3291

This bill amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the Wrongs to Children Act to address child panhandling with adults. The legislation expands the definition of child abuse to include situations where a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult allows, encourages, or requires a minor to engage in panhandling with someone 18 years or older. The bill makes it unlawful for a child under 18 to engage in panhandling and establishes that any adult 18 or older who panhandles with a minor will be issued a citation by a peace officer. The law defines panhandling as selling food products, begging for money, or asking for monetary donations (unless representing a nonprofit organization). When such an incident occurs, the local law enforcement agency must notify the Department of Children and Family Services that the minor is in a potentially dangerous situation. The legislation imposes legal consequences for adults engaging in this behavior, specifically classifying it as a Class B misdemeanor. These provisions aim to protect minors from potentially exploitative or dangerous situations involving panhandling with adults, emphasizing the need to safeguard children's welfare and prevent their involvement in activities that could put them at risk.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3291&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104