Governor Signs Bill that Closes Statute of Limitations Loophole for Child Sex Crimes

Legislation that removes the statute of limitations for prosecution of felony sex crimes against minors has been signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner. Bill Co-Sponsor David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) hailed the signing of the bill as “a significant victory in the fight for child victims’ rights.”

“When a child is exploited through an act of sexual assault or abuse, there should not be any limitations that would hinder the prosecution of the perpetrator,” said Olsen. “Law enforcement must have every tool at their disposal, and lifting the statute of limitations for these heinous crimes removes a hurdle that has allowed some offenders to escape prosecution.”

SB 189, signed into law as Public Act 100-0080, provides that when the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the offense, a prosecution for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, or criminal sexual abuse may be commenced at any time. Under previous laws, many cases held a 10-year or 20-year statute of limitation for prosecution.

“Sexual predators should not be able to benefit from a loophole in the law, and I applaud the Illinois Attorney General for bringing the idea for this legislation to the General Assembly,” Olsen said. “The law represents a significant improvement to our criminal justice system.”

The provisions of the new law take effect immediately.