HB1501 Summary

• Expands mitigating factors that courts must consider when sentencing individuals under age 21 (previously 18) at the time of offense, effective upon passage of this amendatory act.

• Requires courts to consider nine specific mitigating factors including the defendant's age, maturity, peer pressure, family background, rehabilitation potential, degree of participation in offense, and meaningful participation in their defense.

• Prohibits courts from considering lack of remorse as an aggravating factor if the defendant, on advice of counsel, chooses not to make a statement.

• Allows courts discretion to decline firearm-related sentencing enhancements for individuals under 21 at time of offense.

• Maintains minimum 40-year sentence for individuals under 18 convicted of first degree murder under certain circumstances, while allowing discretion to decline firearm enhancements under those sentences.