Rep. Janet Yang Rohr supports HB5020 to increase minimum age for extended juvenile felony prosecution

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-41st) supported HB5020 by voting Yes to increase the minimum age for extended juvenile felony prosecution, according to the Illinois House. The legislation cleared the House on May 31, 2026, with a 75-39 vote during the 104th General Assembly.

As described in the official bill text, the measure is titled: "JUV CT-EXTENDED JUR JUV PROS."

Below is an explanation based on the language of the bill, which also includes clarifying interpretation of its provisions.

Essentially, the bill raises the minimum age from 13 to 15 for a minor to face extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution for actions that would be considered felonies if committed by adults, and updates the process for assigning such cases. Judges must first determine probable cause, then decide with clear and convincing evidence if adult sentencing under the Unified Code of Corrections is suitable, considering certain factors. These factors include the minor’s age, level of maturity, mental health, any disabilities, background such as family, home, education, and social history, including trauma and abuse; details of the offense, influences like peer pressure, as well as the minor’s involvement; and the availability and benefits of juvenile rehabilitation options.

For HB5020, the recorded action listed was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs'.

Rohr earned a BA from Northwestern University in 2002 and a degree from University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2010.

She has served as a Democratic member of the Illinois State House since 2021, representing the 41st District after succeeding Grant Wehrli.

Illinois bills progress through a multi-step legislative process that includes introduction in either chamber, committee review, debates on the floor, votes in both the House and Senate, and final actions by the governor. The legislature meets every two years, with only a small portion of the thousands of bills introduced each session ultimately becoming law.