A bill sponsored by State Senator Ed Maloney (D-Chicago) to require sex offenders or sexual predators at higher education institutions in Illinois to register with the institution as well as local law enforcement has been signed by the Governor.

"Universities and community colleges need to know if offenders are working or enrolled in their midst to ensure protection for students, faculty, and children in campus daycare centers," Senator Maloney said. "Public safety and security officers can use this information to prevent those living and working on campus from becoming victims."

Institutions’ public safety departments were previously prepared for reports of sexual offenses and penalties but did not necessarily know if potential offenders may be working on campus or attending classes. House Bill 295 (now Public Act 07-0155) now requires sex offenders or predators to register with public safety or security at any school in Illinois where they either are employed or attending classes. An offender must register if he or she is employed at or attends the institution for a period of five or more days at a time or for a total of 30 days out of the year.

"We believe anyone on a college campus in Illinois should know their law enforcement agencies are aware of potential offenders on campus," Maloney said. "This new law can provide campus security officials with another tool to help protect all age groups on the campuses they serve."

Public Act 07-0155 takes effect immediately.