SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois House overwhelming approved legislation Tuesday requiring convicted murderers to register when they are released from prison.
The proposal, which now heads to the Senate for further debate, is named for Andrea Will, who was killed in 1998 by her former boyfriend while she was a student at Eastern Illinois University.
Under the measure, the murderer, Justin Boulay, would have had to register when he was released after serving 12 years of a 24 year sentence. Registration would be required for a 10 year period.
Will's mother, Patricia Rosenberg, praised lawmakers for approving the legislation.
"It was just an unbelievable moment for me," the Batavia woman told reporters.
Rosenberg said the registry, similar to one already in place for sex offenders, will ensure Illinoisans know where people convicted of first-degree murder are residing once they are freed.
"I don't feel it should stop at the prison gate," Rosenberg said.
State Rep. Monique Davis, D-Chicago, cast the lone "no" vote.
The legislation is House Bill 263.
The proposal, which now heads to the Senate for further debate, is named for Andrea Will, who was killed in 1998 by her former boyfriend while she was a student at Eastern Illinois University.
Under the measure, the murderer, Justin Boulay, would have had to register when he was released after serving 12 years of a 24 year sentence. Registration would be required for a 10 year period.
Will's mother, Patricia Rosenberg, praised lawmakers for approving the legislation.
"It was just an unbelievable moment for me," the Batavia woman told reporters.
Rosenberg said the registry, similar to one already in place for sex offenders, will ensure Illinoisans know where people convicted of first-degree murder are residing once they are freed.
"I don't feel it should stop at the prison gate," Rosenberg said.
State Rep. Monique Davis, D-Chicago, cast the lone "no" vote.
The legislation is House Bill 263.
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