Criminal Justice

Callous disregard for human life and probable consequences; penalties. Makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who commits a criminal act and whose conduct was so gross, wanton, or culpable as to indicate a callous disregard for human life and for the probable consequences of his conduct. The bill enhances the penalty to a Class 6 felony where such person knew or should have known that the consequences of such conduct would pose a greater risk to first responders.

Possession of fentanyl in presence of minor prohibited; enhanced penalty. Makes it a Class 3 felony for any person 18 years of age or older to knowingly possess any substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, including its derivatives, isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, in the presence of a minor younger than 15 years of age, unless such substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by the Drug Control Act.

Crimes by gangs; definition of "predicate criminal act"; penalties. Adds the misdemeanor and felony offenses of carrying a concealed weapon and the misdemeanor offense of pointing, holding, or brandishing a firearm, air or gas operated weapon, or object similar in appearance to the definition of "predicate criminal act" related to prohibited criminal street gang participation.

Marijuana field test; testimony as to the results; consuming or possessing marijuana or marijuana products while in a motor vehicle or on public school grounds. Allows a law-enforcement officer to testify as to the results of any marijuana field test approved as accurate and reliable by the Department of Forensic Science regarding whether or not any plant material at issue is marijuana in a trial for a violation of using or consuming marijuana or marijuana products while in a motor vehicle being driven upon a public highway or consuming or possessing marijuana or marijuana products in or on public school grounds, provided the defendant has been given written notice of his right to request a full chemical analysis. Current law allows a law-enforcement officer to testify as to the results of a marijuana field test in a trial for underage possession or consumption of marijuana.

Firearms-related offenses; mandatory minimum sentences; penalty. Increases from five to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense the mandatory minimum sentence for use or display of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies.