IL SB0424

Removes the age restriction (21 years or older) that previously made defendants ineligible for the First Time Weapon Offense Program, allowing defendants of any age to participate.

Eliminates the January 1, 2024 expiration date for the program, making it permanent rather than a temporary pilot program.

Reduces the minimum program duration from 18 months to 6 months, while maintaining the maximum of 24 months as determined by the court.

Moves several mandatory program conditions (employment, education, drug testing, community service, fines/fees) from required conditions to optional conditions that the court may impose at its discretion.

Clarifies that program participation remains available only for first-time, non-violent offenders charged with unlawful use of weapons offenses under Section 24-1 or aggravated unlawful use of a weapon under Section 24-1.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012, punishable as a Class 4 felony or lower.