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Proposed Law Would Require Sex Offenders to Wear GPS Devices
A bill that passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Friday aims to force convicted sex offenders to wear a GPS monitoring device for the entire time they're out of jail on supervised release or parole. It passed nearly unanimously, but that doesn't mean those who voted for the measure supported it.

State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago) voted present and though he agrees with what the bill aims to do, he clearly disagrees with the bill's language. He didn't dare vote "no" because he didn't want it to seem like he was voting against protecting children from sex offenders.

Opponents to the bill argue that there are already several provisions in place requiring sex offenders to wear electronic monitoring devices, and they argue the merit of passing a bill that's essentially already in place. But state Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) says this bill is better than the one passed last year, and the only reason lawmakers want to debate this bill is because of the state's budget problems.

The bill passed the House with 98 members voting yes, one voting no, six voting present and 13 not voting.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 28 09 by Newsroom
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