HB4605 Summary

• Creates "Offender Initiative Probation" allowing courts to sentence first-time felony offenders to probation without entering a judgment for specified non-violent offenses including theft, burglary, drug possession, and forgery.

• Requires probation conditions including employment or 30+ hours community service, restitution to victims, drug testing (minimum 3 times), educational courses (GED/vocational training), and fines.

• Permits discharge and dismissal upon successful probation completion, which is not considered a conviction for purposes of disqualifications or disabilities, though probation violation allows entry of judgment and standard sentencing.

• Allows only one discharge and dismissal per person across this program, controlled substance probation programs, Cannabis Control Act probation, prostitution probation, and related statutes.

• Amends Criminal Identification Act, Criminal Code, Cannabis Control Act, and Illinois Controlled Substances Act to add new probation eligibility provisions and modify record sealing/expungement procedures for qualified probationers.