IllinoisHB4639104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

JUV CT-COMMUNITY MEDIATION

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that either the court or the State's Attorney, or both, (rather than the State's Attorney) or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, may establish community mediation programs designed to provide citizen participation in addressing juvenile delinquency. Provides that prior to entering a sentence, the court shall require the parties involved to consider participation in a restorative practice, such as a conference or circle as defined in the Code of Civil Procedure, to identify and repair harm to the extent possible, address trauma, reduce the likelihood of further harm, and strengthen community ties by focusing on the needs and obligations of all parties involved through a participatory process. Provides that participation in the process shall be voluntary by all parties, and any resulting agreement shall contain only reasonable and proportionate obligations. Provides that the agreement shall be recommended to the court as an alternative to sentencing.

restorative justice & public safetyassignmentscriminal law

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Youth get voluntary options before sentencing

Before juvenile sentencing, Illinois courts can require parties to consider a restorative meeting or circle when services are available. These meetings focus on repairing harm from the offense. Taking part remains voluntary for everyone. Any agreement must contain only reasonable obligations that fit the harm caused. The agreement can be recommended to the court as an alternative to traditional sentencing.

Community mediation offers youth another path

Illinois courts, prosecutors, or prosecutor-designated groups can create community mediation programs for minor juvenile cases, but are not required to. Cases must come through police or probation adjustments or prosecutor diversion referrals, and youth must admit responsibility. Panels must reflect the community’s diversity, and panel members and observers must promise confidentiality. Agreements last no more than six months. Terms can include counseling, community programs, school attendance, tutoring, up to 100 community service hours, and restitution limited to actual damage. Substance-use screening is required; when indicated, youth must receive an assessment from a state-licensed provider and follow its recommendations. Other reasonable terms can promote responsible behavior.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Adriane L. Johnson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emil Jones, III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Javier L. Cervantes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Justin Slaughter

    Democratic • House

  • Karina Villa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kimberly A. Lightford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lakesia Collins

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Davis

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Edly-Allen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michael Crawford

    Democratic • House

  • Mike Simmons

    Democratic • Senate

  • Napoleon Harris III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rachel Ventura

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Peters

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Feigenholtz

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yolonda Morris

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 131 • No: 69

Senate vote • 5/20/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 39 • No: 18

Senate vote • 5/6/2026

Do Pass Criminal Law;

Yes: 6 • No: 2

House vote • 4/16/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 65 • No: 39

House vote • 4/16/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 3 Recommends Be Adopted Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee;

Yes: 7 • No: 3

House vote • 4/9/2026

House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee;

Yes: 7 • No: 4

House vote • 3/20/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee;

Yes: 7 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0668

    7/31/2026House
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2027

    7/31/2026House
  3. Governor Approved

    7/31/2026House
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2026House
  5. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Emil Jones, III

    5/22/2026Senate
  6. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris III

    5/21/2026Senate
  7. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes

    5/20/2026Senate
  8. Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins

    5/20/2026Senate
  9. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford

    5/20/2026Senate
  10. Passed Both Houses

    5/20/2026House
  11. Third Reading - Passed; 039-018-000

    5/20/2026Senate
  12. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 18, 2026

    5/14/2026Senate
  13. Second Reading

    5/14/2026Senate
  14. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 7, 2026

    5/6/2026Senate
  15. Do Pass Criminal Law; 006-002-000

    5/6/2026Senate
  16. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Karina Villa

    5/5/2026Senate
  17. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Adriane L. Johnson

    5/5/2026Senate
  18. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

    5/5/2026Senate
  19. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Robert Peters

    5/5/2026Senate
  20. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Mike Simmons

    4/29/2026Senate
  21. Assigned to Criminal Law

    4/29/2026Senate
  22. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz

    4/28/2026Senate
  23. Referred to Assignments

    4/21/2026Senate
  24. First Reading

    4/21/2026Senate
  25. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura

    4/21/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • House Amendment 1

  • House Amendment 2

  • House Amendment 3

  • Introduced

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation