summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that, except for certain types of first degree murder, the court may, in its discretion, sentence a defendant who was under 21 years of age at the time of the commission of the offense to a sentence that is less than the applicable minimum determinate sentence of imprisonment for the offense authorized by the Code. Provides that the court, at the sentencing hearing, shall consider certain mitigating factors when a person commits an offense and the person is under 21 (rather than 18) years of age at the time of the commission of the offense. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections to expand sentencing considerations for defendants under 21 years old (previously 18 years old) at the time of an offense. The bill requires courts to consider mitigating factors during sentencing, including the defendant's age, maturity, family background, potential for rehabilitation, and circumstances of the offense. These factors range from assessing cognitive development and peer pressure to examining family environment and childhood experiences like trauma. The bill gives courts more discretion in sentencing, allowing them to impose sentences below the minimum determinate imprisonment term for most offenses, with an exception for certain first-degree murder cases. Notably, the bill aims to recognize the developmental differences in younger defendants and provide opportunities for rehabilitation, reflecting a more nuanced approach to juvenile and young adult criminal justice. The legislation prioritizes understanding the context of a young person's criminal actions and potentially offers more flexible sentencing options that consider individual circumstances and developmental factors.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/21/2025)
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=1241&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB1241.htm |
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