Blair-Sherlock supports measure raising minimum age for juvenile extended jurisdiction prosecution from 13 to 15

Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock (D-46th) voted in favor of HB5020, legislation that increases the minimum age for extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution from 13 to 15, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. According to the Illinois House, the measure was approved with a 75-39 vote.

The official bill summary notes: "JUV CT-EXTENDED JUR JUV PROS."

The details below reflect an analysis of the actual bill text and may clarify its provisions.

This legislation raises the minimum age from 13 to 15 for minors eligible for extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution in cases where the act would be a felony if performed by an adult. It also updates the process for assigning such cases—requiring a judge, once probable cause is established, to determine by clear and convincing evidence if adult sentencing, per the Unified Code of Corrections, is suitable. Considerations for this decision include the youth’s age, maturity, mental health, and any disabilities; home, family, educational and community backgrounds, including history of trauma or abuse; the specific context of the offense, peer or other pressures, the minor’s involvement and planning; and the benefits and accessibility of juvenile treatment and rehabilitation programs.

The legislative record shows for HB5020: 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'

Blair-Sherlock is an alumna of College of DuPage (AA, 1985) and Northern Illinois University (BS, 1987), and earned a JD from John Marshall Law School in 1993.

A Democrat, Blair-Sherlock was elected in 2023 to the Illinois State House representing the 46th District, taking over from former state Rep. Deborah Conroy.

Illinois bills proceed through a multi-step legislative process that includes introduction, committee evaluation, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate before advancing to the governor. The General Assembly operates on a biennial cycle, with thousands of measures introduced each session—but only a small proportion are enacted into law.