HB5240

CRIM CD-ENDANGERING CHILD

Introduced·2/5/26
Introduced Text

Illinois HB5240 amends the Criminal Code to redefine "unattended" for children under 12, lowering the age of a person who must accompany the child.

Illinois HB5240 amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to redefine the offense of endangering the life or health of a child. It specifies that a child under 12 years of age is considered "unattended" if not accompanied by a person 12 years of age or older, or if accompanied by such a person but out of their sight. This change lowers the age of the person who must accompany the child from 14 to 12 years old. Leaving a child under 12 unattended is now a Class A misdemeanor, with harsher penalties for subsequent offenses and if the unattended child's death results.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Rules Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Feb 10

House

First Reading

Feb 10

House

Referred to Rules Committee

Feb 5

House

Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Harry Benton