The legislation would prosecute teachers and others for sexually abusing 18-year-old students

(The Center Square) – In Illinois, it is not illegal for an educator or staff member to have a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student, but some Republican lawmakers want to change that.

State Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, says school staff who sexually abuse 18-year-old students will face charges, which is why she has filed a lawsuit House Bill 4241 in Springfield.

“This bill protects students ages 18 and older in secondary schools by establishing the criminal offense of abuse of authority by an educator or authority figure,” Elik said.

The legislation would classify abuse by a teacher involving sexual conduct as a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for the subsequent offense.

Sponsors say criminal charges must be filed to prevent offenders from leaving their jobs and moving on to other opportunities where they could exploit children.

Illinois state Rep. Amy Elik, R-Alton, and state Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, discuss House Bill 4241, which would impose criminal penalties on teachers found guilty of sexual relationships with students 18 years old or older to be judged. BlueRoomStream

State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said children cannot afford to wait any longer for this issue to be resolved.

“There are unscrupulous teachers, I would even call them evil, who at the age of 15, 16 and 17 raise these young people so that at 18 they can suddenly have a relationship with them, because now they have turned 18 and there are no criminal charges,” Bryant said.

The bill passed the House unanimously last month. Elik urged the Illinois Senate to pass the bill before the end of the spring session next week.

“This bipartisan bill has no vocal opposition and must advance this session to ensure students receive the necessary protections they deserve,” Elik said.

The measure remains in a Senate committee. Lawmakers return to wrap up the final week of the scheduled session on Monday.