HB5197 Summary

• Amends the Unified Code of Corrections Section 5-8-1 regarding sentencing for first degree murder by removing the "exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior" standard as a standalone aggravating factor.

• Establishes mandatory natural life imprisonment for first degree murder defendants who: previously committed first degree murder, were 17+ when murdering a child under 12, murdered multiple victims, murdered a peace officer/firefighter/emergency worker, murdered a corrections employee, murdered emergency medical personnel, or murdered a community policing volunteer.

• Adds a new category allowing natural life imprisonment for first degree murder accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty, moving this from a discretionary to a specific enumerated circumstance.

• Allows for 15-25 year enhancements to imprisonment terms based on firearm use during commission of the offense, with greater enhancements if the firearm caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death.

• Establishes mandatory supervised release terms ranging from 3 years for first degree murder to 1 year for Class 3-4 felonies, with extended terms up to natural life for certain sexual offenses and child pornography offenses.