IL SB1971

Amends Section 11-9.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 concerning sexual exploitation of children by making a technical change to the language describing the offense.

Changes the phrase "the presence or virtual presence" to "the presence or virtual presence" in the definition of sexual exploitation (corrects redundant phrasing in subsection (a)).

Defines "virtual presence" as an environment created with software presented via the Internet, web camming programs, or hand-held portable electronic devices where a user appears on a computer monitor or screen.

Maintains criminal penalties: Class A misdemeanor for first offense; Class 4 felony for second or subsequent violations, or if victim was under 13, if offender had prior sex offense conviction, or if offender age 18+ commits offense within 500 feet of school grounds when children are present.