Rep. Grant marked excused as SB0248 to expand post-conviction petition access passes House

Rep. Amy L. Grant (R-47th) did not participate in the vote for SB0248, a measure permitting certain younger offenders to submit successive post-conviction petitions without establishing cause, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House. The House approved the bill in a 63-42 vote.

The bill's official summary describes it as: "CRIM PRO-POST-CONVICT PETITION."

The following explanation summarizes the bill's text and may provide interpretive points to clarify its provisions.

The bill modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, authorizing people convicted of a felony committed before age 21 to file a successive post-conviction petition—without establishing cause—if they contend their sentence violates the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution. This change removes the requirement to demonstrate a barrier that hindered raising the claim initially. The legislation takes effect upon being signed into law.

The legislative action related to SB0248 was recorded as 'Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed'.

Grant is an alumna of the University of Pittsburgh, holding a BS from 1980.

A Republican, Grant was elected to Illinois' 47th House District in 2023, taking over from former Rep. Deanne Mazzochi.

Illinois lawmaking follows a multi-step process, starting with introduction in either chamber, progressing through committee hearings, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate. A bill reaches the governor for possible approval or veto only after clearing both chambers. The General Assembly works on a biennial cycle, and despite thousands of bills being introduced during each session, only a small percentage become law.