RYAN'S 15-20-LIFE PROPOSAL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan's "15-20-Life" proposal to create tougher sentences for criminals who threaten their victims with guns, unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee today.

Senate Bill 1112 amends the criminal code of 1961, cannabis control act, controlled substance act, and the Unified Code of Corrections and seeks additional penalties after a conviction of certain felonies. The bill passed the committee on a 13 to 0 vote.

"The way to deal with violent criminals is to apply swift and certain consequences," Ryan said. "The '15-20-Life' bill will give the judiciary the tools that are needed to keep criminals behind bars." Senate Bill 1112 allows the courts to impose additional prison time to persons convicted of a felony including the following: first degree murder, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, heinous battery, home invasion, armed robbery, aggravated vehicular hijacking, and various drug offenses. The felon will receive: