Politics & Government

McAsey Measures to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse Become Law

Local legislator works to ensure criminals face serious consequences for their actions.

The following news release was submitted by a spokesperson for state Rep. Emily McAsey (D-85th District):

Two pieces of legislation sponsored by state Rep. Emily McAsey aimed at protecting children and punishing those convicted of sex crimes recently became law.

“We must never stop fighting to protect our children from criminals who aim to exploit them,” McAsey said. “These laws will increase penalties and punish dangerous predators. I will continue pushing for legislation that further protects our children from harm.”

House Bill 804 changes the definition of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child to be more inclusive of male victims. Under McAsey’s new law, a criminal could be charged with predatory sexual assault of a child if they commit other sexual acts that are not defined as sexual penetration. A criminal defendant could be charged with a Class X felony for a violation of the statute, and may be sentenced to a term of 6 to 60 years in prison upon conviction.

McAsey’s bill also creates the new crime of failure to report the sexual abuse of a child.  Under this new measure, a person over the age of 18 who witnesses an act of sexual abuse and fails to report it could be charged with Class A misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense of failure to notify law enforcement of the sexual abuse of a child could result with the witness being charged with a Class 4 felony.

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McAsey also introduced legislation changing how individuals are sentenced under the child pornography statue. Under House Bill 2647, individuals may face additional convictions and jail time for each item of child pornography in their possession.

“Criminals should face serious consequences for their actions,” McAsey said. “These new laws provide prosecutors with additional tools to protect our kids and keep sexual predators behind bars.”

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For more information, please contact McAsey’s constituent service office at 815-372-0085. 


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