Illinois lawmakers reject bill permitting young offenders to seek resentencing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have allowed convicted criminals to be resentenced for their crimes if they were committed before they turned 21.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago), would have allowed convicted criminals who had served 10 years in prison for a crime they committed before turning 21 to petition a judge for their release.

Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), who opposed the bill, told The Center Square, “Murder is brutal, it is final for one person, but it’s a lifetime for their family. They should not be having to come back to court to relive the loss that they suffered either being a victim of a crime or the family of a victim of a murder.”

The House voted down the proposed legislation 51-49.