SPRINGFIELD—State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) was a co-sponsor to HB2135, legislation that will remove the statute of limitations on prosecuting sexual based offenses. The bill applies to criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual abuse—regardless of the age of the victim.
The bill was deemed necessary so that the law applies to all victims of sexual offenses, no matter their age. Current law does not have a statute of limitations for victims under the age of 18, and now HB2135 will apply that to all felony sex offenses.
HB 2135 recently passed in the House of Representatives with unanimous support from lawmakers. “This bill is so important because it changes how sexual assault cases will be prosecuted,” said Ugaste. “By making these crimes punishable in an unlimited time frame, it gives all victims of sexually based offenses the justice and peace of mind that they deserve.”
HB2135 now heads to the Senate, where it is waiting further legislative action.
Dan Ugaste is a first term State Representative for the 65th District, and represents portions of northwestern Kane and southern McHenry Counties, which includes Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Hampshire, Huntley, Pingree Grove, Batavia and Geneva.
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