Reboletti Advances Legislation Informing Libraries of Local Sex Offenders

July 30, 2007

Springfield …Stressing the need to put in place additional safeguards to protect local children from convicted sex offenders, State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) sponsored legislation that would inform local libraries of sex offenders living in their jurisdiction.

“It’s completely disturbing that sex offenders have in the past used public computers in a library as a means to find additional victims. Sex offenders frequenting libraries pose a danger to the public – especially the groups of children who go there to socialize and study,” Reboletti said. “This common sense piece of legislation is imperative in informing local librarians of the danger and risk these individuals show to their young patrons and it will keep staff on a heighten alert.”

SB 364 mandates that police departments would disclose to local libraries in their jurisdiction the name, address, date of birth, place of employment, school attended and offense or adjudication of all sex and violent offenders. Currently, only schools, child care facilities and institutions of higher education are given this information.

“This is one more step in protecting our children from the likes of sexual predators who roam their local municipality looking for their next victim.” Reboletti said.

SB 364 received bi-partisan support and overwhelmingly passed both Houses. It is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. For additional information, Rep. Reboletti can be contacted at (630) 530-2730.

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