Illinois removes statute of limitations for major sex crimes

Illinois will lift its 10-year statute of limitations on major sex crimes starting in January, under a law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in July. HB 2135, which was unanimously approved by the General Assembly, allows prosecutors to file charges at any time for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual abuse. According to the Chicago Tribune, the limit had been 10 years, if the victim reported within three years of the crime.

In 2017, Illinois removed the statute of limitations for felony sexual assault and sexual abuse crimes against children. That bill, SB 189 of 2017, also was unanimously approved by the General Assembly.

According to the anti-sexual-violence organization RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin have either no statute of limitations or one of 21 years or more for their most serious sex crimes. Ohio has a statute of limitations of 11 to 20 years, and Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota have statutes of limitations of 10 years or less.