SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D – Chicago) recently passed Senate Bill 1038 out of the Senate to ensure that law enforcement officials have the tools and authorization to pursue suspects of child abduction.

"This measure includes luring in the definition of child abduction, making it unlawful to lure or to attempt to lure a child under the age of 16 into a motor vehicle, building, house trailer, or dwelling place without the consent of the child's parent or custodian," Senator Collins said. "This legislation will help our law enforcement officials pursue child abduction suspects all across Illinois."

The Chicago Tribune recently published a watchdog series called "Walking into Danger." The series was one of the motivations for this legislation to protect Illinois children

"Senate Bill 1038 strengthens current legislation giving prosecutors improved tools to charge and convict offenders who target children," said Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. "This enhanced legislation sends a strong message to offenders who prey on and victimize children in our communities. My office was pleased to work on this important legislation with Senator Jacqueline Collins and her staff."

The legislation now awaits consideration in the Illinois House of Representatives.