Illinois legislators held a press conference this week alongside advocate Michelle Peterson to call for action on Andrew’s Law, a legislative proposal aimed at closing dangerous loopholes in Illinois’ criminal code that allow child predators to escape full accountability.

Senate Bill 284 would prohibit plea deals for individuals charged with grooming, trafficking in persons, or involuntary sexual servitude of a minor.

The legislation would also impose stricter restrictions on where convicted child sex offenders can be present, barring them from facilities specifically designed for minors. Similar grooming-related legislation has been successfully passed in Florida, Iowa, Arizona, Georgia, and most recently, Montana.

The bill was inspired by the experiences of Michelle Peterson, whose son was the victim of grooming.

Senate Bill 284 and House Bill 1140, the House companion bill to Andrew’s Law, are currently awaiting assignment to committees in their respective chambers.