Vella Bill to Establish Clear Standards for Sex Offenders Post-Release

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Committed to improving public safety and protecting victims of sex crimes, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, has filed a new bill to establish clearer standards for where sex offenders who require mandatory supervision are able to live post-release.

“Families deserve to know that public safety and victim protection are being considered when decisions are made about where someone, especially someone accused of significant crimes, is released,” said Vella “This bill is about bringing clarity and consistency to a process that currently lacks clear standards.”

House Bill 5218 establishes clearer guidelines for where individuals convicted of sex offenses are placed upon their mandatorily supervised release. Under Vella’s bill, individuals would be released into either the community where they were sentenced or a community where they have established ties. Placement must take into account verified public safety concerns, victim safety considerations, lack of compliant housing, or unavailable treatment or supervision resources.

“Right now, there is no law requiring documented justification when individuals convicted of sex offenses are released into communities far from where they were sentenced—which makes that community and its people vulnerable if they are unaware of the perpetrator’s crimes,” said Vella. “This is about making sure release decisions aren’t arbitrary and that victims, families, and neighborhoods are considered every step of the way They should not be left in the dark when serious decisions affecting safety are made.”