SB1926 Summary

• Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to add a new offense of "aggravated endangering the life or health of a child" under Section 12C-5.

• Defines aggravated endangering as knowingly and willfully depriving a child under age 18 of necessary food, shelter, health care, or age-appropriate supervision when the person is reasonably able to provide these necessities and the deprivation substantially harms the child's physical, mental, or emotional health.

• Provides a religious exception allowing failure to provide specific medical treatment if it conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious denomination, though this exception does not prevent interested parties from petitioning the court on behalf of the child's best interest.

• Classifies violation of the new aggravated endangering offense as a Class 4 felony.

• Maintains existing penalties for the base endangering offense under subsection (a): Class A misdemeanor for first offense, Class 3 felony for subsequent violations, and Class 3 felony with 2-10 year mandatory sentence if the violation causes the child's death.