However, where the legislature intends retroactive application and the amendment affects procedural and not substantive rights, it applies retroactively to cases pending on direct appeal. The express language of the act makes it applicable only to offenses that occurred on or after May 29, 1996. Thus, the legislature did not intend the law to be applied retroactively to the defendant in this case. 175 Ill. App. Substantive law establishes rights and duties that may be redressed through the rules of procedure.
Procedure involves matters relating to pleading, practice, and evidence.
In other words, it is as if the law never existed. 135 Ill. 2d at 390. Accordingly, Public Act 89-462 created new substantive law. As a result, the defendant's conviction of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child is invalid. 292 Ill. App.