IL HB5251

Reduces child sex offender residency restrictions from 500 feet to 250 feet from schools, playgrounds, and child care facilities, with exemptions for offenders whose property was registered before the facility opened.

Eliminates weekly registration requirements for homeless sex offenders, changing to every 90 days or yearly reporting as specified in registration acts.

Makes registration fee waivers mandatory (not discretionary) for indigent persons meeting poverty guidelines or receiving means-based public benefits.

Reduces penalties for registration act violations from felonies to misdemeanors: Class C for first violation, Class B for second violation, and Class C for providing false information.

Reduces registration period under the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act from 10 years to 5 years, and makes changes applicable retroactively to all currently registered individuals.