Springfield, IL – Illinois State Police are marking a significant step in child protection with the signing of House Bill 2586, known as Alicia’s Law, aimed at strengthening investigations into internet crimes against children.
According to Illinois State Police (ISP), the law is named after Alicia “Kozak” Kozakiewicz, recognized as the first widely reported internet-related child abduction victim. The legislation targets offenses that exploit or endanger minors online, including luring for sexual activity, cyberstalking, producing child sexual abuse materials, and soliciting minors via chat rooms or social media.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said the measure ensures permanent and consistent funding for investigations into such crimes, noting that “the internet is ubiquitous and not going anywhere, which means internet crimes against children can proliferate.” Kelly added that the new law ensures ISP has the resources to investigate these cases “now and in the future.”
Kozakiewicz, who survived a kidnapping at age 13 by an online predator, praised Illinois for becoming the 13th state to enact such legislation. “Too many children are falling victim to predators who are just a click away on the apps they use every day,” she said. “With the passage of Alicia’s Law, Illinois ensures there will always be dedicated investigators to find children in danger, stop predators, and prevent more children from being harmed.”
ISP re-established its Division of Criminal Investigation in 2019, prioritizing internet crimes against children and dedicating a growing number of agents and resources. Officials say the number of cases has continued to increase each year, making sustained funding critical to protecting Illinois children.
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