IL SB4004

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to specify that the Program administrator of the First Time Weapon Offender Program shall be appointed by the Chief Judge of each Judicial Circuit.

The First Time Weapon Offender Program is a diversion program for first-time, non-violent offenders under age 21 charged with unlawful use of weapons or aggravated unlawful use of a weapon offenses punishable as Class 4 felonies or lower.

Eligible defendants must not have prior violent offense convictions, prior adjudication as a delinquent minor for violent offenses, prior successful completion of the program, or existing orders of protection.

Program conditions include 18-24 months of participation requiring employment, education/vocational training, community service (minimum 50 hours), drug testing, firearm prohibition, and mandatory program activities such as counseling and educational classes.

Program is effective immediately and scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2023.