HB 2470

Abstract

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that a person who was under 18 years of age at the time of an offense, may, after serving 15 years of his or her sentence of either a term of natural life imprisonment or a term or cumulative term of 40 years or more of imprisonment, submit a petition for sentencing review in the circuit court of the county in which he or she was originally sentenced. Establishes procedures for sentencing review. Provides that following the sentencing review hearing, the court may affirm or reduce the petitioner's sentence. Provides that any offender who has petitioned the circuit court for sentencing review shall not be eligible to submit a second petition until at least 10 years have elapsed since the date on which the circuit court ruled upon the initial petition. Provides that the circuit court shall have discretion at the time of making its ruling to extend the period for filing the second petition up to an additional 10 years if the circuit court finds there to be no reasonable likelihood that the interests of justice will require another petition for sentencing review within 10 years.