Chesney Secures Major Win Protecting Child Victims of Sex Crimes
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) helped secure passage of legislation that protects child victims of sex crimes while strengthening the law against potential constitutional challenges.
“When it comes to protecting children from sexual predators, there is no room for error,” said Senator Chesney. “This legislation reinforces critical protections for young victims and helps ensure those safeguards remain available when they are needed most.”
House Bill 3393, originally sponsored by State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), strengthens Illinois law governing the use of closed-circuit television testimony for child victims of sex crimes. The legislation makes targeted changes to help ensure these protections can withstand constitutional challenges while preserving the ability of young victims to testify outside the courtroom.
In recent years, Illinois expanded safeguards for young victims of sexual abuse by permitting testimony outside the traditional courtroom setting through closed-circuit television. However, concerns emerged that portions of the law could be vulnerable under the Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause, potentially jeopardizing these important protections.
Rather than risk a court striking down these safeguards, Senator Chesney and Representative Niemerg worked to strengthen the statute and help ensure child victims can continue to access these protections in the future.
“After four and a half years of working with stakeholders, we finally have a finalized bill that helps protect children from sexual predators,” Representative Niemerg said. “While this is a step forward, there is still more we can do in the future.”
House Bill 3393 now heads to the Governor’s desk for further action.