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HB 1501: Include 18, 19, & 20 Year Olds in Youth Firearm Sentencing Law
House Sponsor
Representative La Shawn Ford
Illinois law adds a mandatory 15, 20, or 25 years to prison sentences of people who had firearms during the commission of certain felonies.
A bipartisan 2015 law made those enhancements discretionary for people 17 and younger.
People ages 18 to 20 should receive the same judicial discretion as people 17 and younger.
- The Illinois General Assembly has recognized this age group in Youthful Parole and sentencing of Habitual Offenders by including people up to age 21.
- People 20 and younger cannot purchase alcohol or cigarettes, drive a commercial vehicle across state lines, or rent a car.
HB 1501 would expand the Youth Firearm Sentencing Law to 18, 19, and 20 year olds, building on the years-long success of the 2015 law.
Judges would have the authority to decide whether enhancements make sense on a case-by-case basis using the existing nine-point guidelines and could apply the additional years to a sentence if appropriate.
Read the Full Bill Download the Fact Sheet Read More About Firearm Enhancements Learn About Emerging Adults Background: Miller FactorsBill Status
The bill was introduced in the House on January 26, 2023.