SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Between 400 and 500 first-degree murderers currently on parole in Illinois would have to register their personal data with the state for a first-degree murder registry, under legislation approved by the state House today.

"I think that it would serve to allow all of our communities to know who resides there -- who our family members are associating with, who our children are dating ... or who we are living next to," said state Rep. Dennis Reboletti, R-Elmhurst, sponsor of the bill.

Illinois currently files mug shots and records the addresses of convicted sex offenders and arsonists in public registries. The bill would create a similar system for first-degree murderers. Records would be on file for 10 years after a convict's release from prison.

Opponents argued that the bill would stigmatize ex-murderers, making it harder for them to be re-integrated into society with jobs, housing and education.

"When we make it harder for people to turn their lives around, we increase the rates of recidivism," said state Rep. Monique Davis, D-Chicago. "If we keep making registries for different types of crimes and convictions, where does it stop?"

Reboletti, a former prosecutor, found inspiration for the registry in the story of an Eastern Illinois University freshman named Andrea Will who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1998. The murderer served 12 years before being released from prison.

During debate, Reboletti referenced Patricia Rosenberg, Will's mother, who was observing from the House gallery.

The House approved the bill by a vote of 97-1-4. It now moves to the state Senate.

The bill is HB263.