summary
Introduced
01/09/2025
01/09/2025
In Committee
01/09/2025
01/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that, on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act, when a person commits an offense and the person is under 21 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense, the court, at the sentencing hearing, shall consider certain additional factors in mitigation in determining the appropriate sentence. Provides, that notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the defendant is under 18 at the time of the commission of the offense and convicted of first degree murder and would otherwise be subject to sentencing under certain provisions, the court shall impose a sentence of not less than 40 years of imprisonment. Provides that, in addition, the court may, in its discretion, decline to impose the sentencing enhancements based upon the possession or use of a firearm during the commission of the offense.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to expand sentencing considerations for young offenders from those under 18 to those under 21 years old. The bill requires courts to consider mitigating factors when sentencing individuals under 21, including the person's age, maturity, family background, potential for rehabilitation, circumstances of the offense, and level of participation. Specifically, for defendants under 18 convicted of first-degree murder, the bill mandates a minimum sentence of 40 years in prison. The legislation also provides judges with discretion to decline sentencing enhancements related to firearm possession or use during the commission of an offense. Additionally, the bill allows courts more flexibility in handling cases involving young offenders, particularly those who may have been victims of abuse or trauma, with the goal of prioritizing rehabilitation and considering the developmental and cognitive characteristics of younger defendants. The bill reflects a growing understanding of adolescent brain development and aims to create a more nuanced approach to sentencing young individuals who commit criminal offenses.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/09/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB0005.htm |
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