HB 2956

Abstract

Creates the Firearm Crime Charging and Sentencing Accountability and Transparency Act. Provides that, in a criminal case, if a defendant is charged with an offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm and subsequently enters into a plea agreement in which in the charge will be reduced to a lesser offense or a non-weapons offense in exchange for a plea of guilty, at or before the time of sentencing, the State's Attorney shall file with the court a written statement of his or her reasons in support of the plea agreement, which shall specifically state why the offense or offenses of conviction resulting from the plea agreement do not include the originally charged weapons offense. Provides that, in a criminal case in which the original charge is or was for an offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm, if a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty of the original charge or lesser offense or a non-weapons offense, in imposing sentence, the judge shall set forth in a written sentencing order his or her reasons for imposing the sentence or accepting the plea agreement. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides for adult prosecution of a minor who was at least 16 years of age at the time of the offense who is charged with armed robbery or aggravated vehicular hijacking while armed with a firearm. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to provide for enhanced penalties for committing various offenses with a firearm. Makes other changes concerning criminal procedure and law enforcement. Amends various other Acts to make conforming changes. Provides that the amendatory provisions amending the Illinois Police Training Act and the School Code are effective immediately.