Maura Hirschauer supports SB0248 to change post-conviction process for those convicted before age 21

During the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49th) cast a Yes vote for SB0248, a measure aimed at revising post-conviction procedures for those convicted under age 21; the Illinois House reported the bill passed with a 63-42 vote.

The official summary describes the bill as: "CRIM PRO-POST-CONVICT PETITION."

The following breakdown is based on the actual bill language and is intended to clarify the measure's content.

Essentially, this legislation updates the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 to let people who were convicted of felonies committed as minors under 21 file an additional post-conviction petition without having to prove cause, provided they allege their sentence infringes upon the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution. With this change, petitioners are no longer required to show a specific barrier that previously kept them from presenting the claim. The bill takes effect immediately after becoming law.

For SB0248, the recorded action was 'Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed'.

Hirschauer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College.

She was elected as a Democrat to represent the Illinois House's 49th District in 2021, succeeding former representative Karina Villa.

Illinois legislation is subject to a multi-stage process involving introduction, committee review, floor debate, and votes in the House and Senate before being sent to the governor. The General Assembly meets biennially; while many bills are introduced each session, only a small number are enacted into law.