HB5927 Summary

• Eliminates mandatory natural life sentences for defendants under 18 who murder victims under 12 years old or during aggravated sexual assault/kidnapping, replacing with 60-100 year sentences or natural life at court discretion.

• For defendants under 18 convicted of first degree murder with aggravating factors present, requires courts to sentence to 60-100 years imprisonment or natural life imprisonment.

• Establishes Prisoner Review Board authority to conduct hearings and recommend commutations for prisoners serving natural life sentences who were under 18 at time of offense, but only if Illinois Supreme Court determines Miller v. Alabama applies retroactively.

• Allows Governor to delegate commutation authority to Prisoner Review Board for affected juvenile offenders, with Board considering factors including age, family environment, offense circumstances, and rehabilitation potential.

• Effective immediately upon enactment.