Rep. Hirschauer backs bill to increase minimum age for extended juvenile jurisdiction cases

During the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-49th) supported HB5020 with a Yes vote, a measure that raises the minimum age for extended juvenile jurisdiction prosecution, according to the Illinois House; the bill cleared the House with a 75-39 vote.

The bill text provides the short description: "JUV CT-EXTENDED JUR JUV PROS."

See below for our summary and clarification of the legislation’s main provisions.

Essentially, the bill changes the minimum age for a minor to qualify for extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution from 13 to 15 for acts that would qualify as felonies if carried out by an adult and updates the process for assigning this status. It mandates that, once probable cause is established, a judge must determine, using clear and convincing evidence and defined criteria, whether adult sentencing under the Unified Code of Corrections is justified. Considerations now include the minor's age, maturity, mental health and disability status; family, home, educational and social experiences, including any history of trauma or abuse; the specific offense circumstances, peer or outside influence, plus the minor’s culpability and planning; and the accessibility and benefits of treatment or rehabilitation through juvenile court.

The legislative action recorded for HB5020 was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs'.

Hirschauer is a Colby College graduate, holding a BA degree.

A Democrat, Hirschauer joined the Illinois State House in 2021 representing the 49th House District, taking over from Karina Villa.

Legislation in Illinois typically follows a multi-step process that starts with bill introduction in one chamber and proceeds through committee consideration, debates, and passage votes in both houses before arriving at the governor’s desk, where it may be approved or vetoed. The General Assembly operates on a biennial plan, with only a portion of the thousands of introduced bills ultimately becoming law after moving through every legislative step.