SPRINGFIELD — As children spend more time online for school, entertainment and social connection, they also face growing risks from online predators. To help law enforcement respond to digital threats against minors, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation to strengthen the Illinois State Police’s ability to investigate and stop online child exploitation.

“Protecting kids from online predators requires swift and coordinated action from law enforcement,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Online threats can originate from anywhere, and this bill gives Illinois State Police the tools and authority to pursue offenders effectively.”

House Bill 2586 would give ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. The legislation aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. These changes would bring Illinois in line with Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.

In addition to expanding protections for children, the bill includes several technical changes to update ISP’s procedures related to task force liability coverage, the security of criminal justice systems and the handling of commercial vehicle safety checks.

“Internet crimes against children task forces are critical for identifying and stopping the criminal exploitation of children,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Through our partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the state, and at all levels, we’ll continue to identify child predators and bring them to justice.”

House Bill 2586 passed the Senate on May 21.