Legislation that removes the statute of limitations for prosecution of felony sex crimes against minors has been signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner.

Representative Avery Bourne, who co-sponsored the bill, said the signing of Senate Bill 189 is a significant victory in the fight for child victims' rights.

This legislation was a bipartisan bill that was unanimously approved in the House and Senate, Representative Bourne said in a statement, adding that with this change in state law, there are no limitations on when an abuser can be charged after the crime occurs. Survivors of child sexual assault will hopefully be encouraged to come forward and seek justice in their own time.

Senate Bill 189 provides that when the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the offense, a prosecution for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, or criminal sexual abuse may be initiated at any time. Under previous laws, many cases held 10 year or 20 year statute of limitation for prosecution.

The provisions of the new law take effect immediately.