SPRINGFIELD – To ensure greater protection for children and families enjoying the Illinois State Fair, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is championing a measure to ensure child sex offenders will not be able to work at the fair.

“The Illinois State Fair is a family-friendly event that the public looks forward to every year,” Turner said. “This bill will send a clear message that we will do everything in our power to protect that notion and ensure the safety and enjoyment for our children.”

Under Turner’s measure, a child sex offender would not be able to work at a carnival, amusement enterprise, or county or state fair.

During the 2021 Illinois State Fair, a convicted child sex offender was discovered to be working a children's ride. A legal loophole in the current law leaves the Illinois State Fair in a state of ambiguity. Turner’s measure will close that loophole.

“We are showing our commitment to protecting youth and families when they visit the fair,” Turner said. “I am hopeful we can continue to work together on this commonsense solution that ensures our state fair remains a prime family attraction year after year.”

Senate Bill 3019 passed the Senate Tuesday and now heads to the House for further consideration.