HB 2413 Summary

• Eliminates the option of imposing natural life sentences on juveniles (those under 18) convicted of first degree murder; juveniles convicted of first degree murder must instead receive a life sentence with mandatory minimum periods before release eligibility (25 years if victim was 15+, 35 years if victim was under 15).

• Allows courts to impose natural life sentences only on adults (18+) convicted of first degree murder under specific statutory paragraphs, removing this option for juvenile offenders while preserving it for adults.

• Modifies violent sexual assault sentencing by specifying that natural life sentences apply only to offenders who were at least 18 years of age at the time of the offense.

• Updates terrorism sentencing provisions to clarify that natural life sentences may only be imposed on offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense; juvenile offenders receive a life sentence with a mandatory 25-year minimum before release eligibility.

• Removes language that previously allowed natural life sentences as a sentencing option for juveniles in capital murder cases, restricting such sentences to adult defendants only.