In yet another display of their misplaced priorities, Democrat lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow convicted sex offenders to live closer to schools, playground, and childcare facilities.

Currently, registered offenders cannot live within 500 feet of these types of facilities. However, Senate Bill 2254 would reduce the distance by half, allowing offenders to live within 250 feet of these facilities.

Additionally, the legislation would lower penalties for violations of the sex offender, arsonist, and violent offender registries from felonies to misdemeanors and shortens the registration period for the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry from 10 years to 5 years. The measure also requires law enforcement to waive registration fees for indigent offenders.

Rather than seeking to reduce safeguards put in place to protect children, Senate Republicans argue that more should be done to hold those who abuse accountable for their crimes.

This includes legislation (SB 284) filed by Illinois Senate Republican Deputy Leader Sue Rezin which closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed offenders to escape full accountability by prohibiting plea deals for individuals charged with grooming, trafficking in persons, or involuntary sexual servitude of a minor while also imposing stricter restrictions on convicted offenders. The proposal also expands restrictions on where convicted child sex offenders can work, volunteer, or be present, barring them from facilities that cater specifically to minors.