2023
Public Act 102-1128 (House Bill 1064) builds on the 2019 Youthful Parole Law, which created the first new parole opportunities in Illinois since our state abolished parole in 1978. The most recent law extends parole review to young people sentenced to natural life in prison; this ensures no children 17 and younger can receive a life without parole sentence. This measure makes Illinois the 26th state (plus Washington D.C.) to abolish juvenile life without parole sentences; Illinois’ law also makes our state a leader in sentencing reform by recognizing young people’s brain development and ensuring most people 18-20 are parole-eligible.