HB 279

Abstract

Sentencing proceeding by the jury after conviction; recommendation of leniency. Provides that a jury may, in ascertainingthe punishment for a person convicted of a felony or Class 1 misdemeanor,recommend that the sentence imposed be suspended in whole or in part,or that sentences imposed for multiple offenses be served concurrently,except where such suspension of sentence or concurrent service is prohibited by law. The bill prohibits the trial court from imposingan active term of incarceration in excess of the active term of incarcerationrecommended by the jury. The bill also allows the jury to recommendthat the defendant be placed on probation, make full or partial restitution,perform community service, or receive mental health or substanceabuse treatment in lieu of incarceration or as a condition of anysuspended sentence, and requires the court to follow such recommendationunless good cause is shown for why the recommendation is inappropriateor unavailable.