Sanalitro casts No vote on HB5020 to increase age for extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution
Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-48th) voted against HB5020, which would raise the age threshold for extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House; the bill passed in the House by a vote of 75-39.
The bill's official text lists this description: "JUV CT-EXTENDED JUR JUV PROS."
The following summary is based on the official bill text and may include interpretation meant to clarify the provisions.
This legislation increases the minimum age from 13 to 15 for a minor to be subject to extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution for conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult and updates the process for designating such cases. Under the bill, after a finding of probable cause, a judge must determine by clear and convincing evidence whether adult sentencing under the Unified Code of Corrections is appropriate, considering certain factors. These include the minor's age, maturity, medical and mental health, disabilities; family, home, education, and social history such as trauma and abuse; circumstances of the offense, influences or pressure from peers or others, the minor’s role and planning; and the benefits and accessibility of juvenile rehabilitation and treatment options.
The official action recorded for HB5020 was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs.'
Sanalitro, a Republican, began serving in the Illinois State House in 2023 for the 48th House District, succeeding former state representative Terra Costa Howard.
Bills in Illinois proceed via a multi-step legislative process starting with introduction in either legislative chamber, moving through committees, debates on the floor, and votes in both houses before reaching the governor, who can approve or veto the legislation. The General Assembly meets on a biennial basis, with thousands of bills often introduced each session, though only a limited number become law.