Rep. Moylan Introduces Bill to Keep Child Sex Offenders Behind Bars

In furthering his efforts to make Illinois safer, state Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines) introduced a bill that charges first-time offenders of predatory sexual assault of a child with a minimum sentence of 20 years in jail.

“Children should be able to run outside with their friends and play in the mud without having to worry about being sexually assaulted by an adult,” Moylan said. “But, unfortunately this isn’t the world we live in and these predators need a sentence that reflects this fact.”

House Bill 3195, also known as “Jessica’s Law,” states that if convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, the term of imprisonment will be a minimum of 20 years for the first offense. This legislation is in response to a twelve-year old Florida girl who was raped and killed in 2005 by a previously convicted sex offender. Currently, those who are convicted of a first-time predatory criminal sexual assault of a child can received a minimum of only six years in jail. In effect, this legislation would keep convicted predators off the streets longer, protecting future victims.

Since taking office,, Moylan is making it a priority to combat crime in his district and throughout  Illinois. He recently passed legislation out of the House Judiciary committee that strengthens the penalty for failing to report hazing on school grounds. Moylan hopes to have similar success with this legislation—targeting sexual predators.

“Each case is heartbreaking,” Moylan said. “But I have faith this legislation will serve to deter predators and protect children throughout the State.”

Information submitted by State Rep. Marty Moylan