DeLuca Measure Encourages Rehabilitative Services for Juvenile Firearm Offenders, Heads to House Floor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To help make communities safer and give youth a chance at a better future, state Rep. Anthony DeLuca, D-Chicago Heights, has advanced legislation that would encourage qualified minors involved in multiple firearm offenses to participate in restorative justice programs – such as social service programs, cognitive behavioral therapy and mentoring.

“This is a responsible, human-centered plan that can put juvenile offenders on a better path forward,” DeLuca said. “Specifically, this is for young individuals repeatedly caught up in less serious firearm offenses. Before they participate in more violence, let’s intervene with responsible assistance that can connect with them on a personal level and alter their trajectory. This is a measure that can make our communities safer, create better futures and, most importantly, save lives.”

DeLuca’s House Bill 4091 aims to offer greater rehabilitative services to juvenile offenders to reduce recidivism. It provides that courts may recommend a minor participate in a restorative justice program if:

• The minor has previously been placed on probation of an offense that involves the possession or discharge of a firearm not causing any injury, and
• Is convicted of a subsequent offense involving the possession or discharge of a firearm not causing any injury.
• DeLuca’s measure requires an individualized assessment of the minor’s needs and allows the court to make the final determination of what appropriate services the minor should be required to access, if any. The probation agency must identify the array of services available in the community where the minor resides, and share with the minor and their parent or legal guardian information about their options to access services.
• Possible restorative justice programs include, but are not limited to, social service programs for high-risk youth, cognitive behavioral therapy, family engagement and mentoring.

“This step forward has been years in the making,” DeLuca said. “I want to personally thank Bishop Ronnie White, who serves as chair of my public safety committee and is the Juvenile Officer for the City of Chicago Heights. Bishop White joined us in Springfield to testify, and his tireless work is a big reason why we’re moving in the right direction. I look forward to sharing this bill with the full House chamber.”

House Bill 4091 passed with bipartisan support and without opposition Thursday in the House Judiciary – Criminal Committee.

For more information, please contact RepDeLuca@SBCGlobal.net.