Springfield, Illinois — State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is supporting legislation that will eliminate the ability for convicted criminals to receive probation if they use a firearm to commit an aggravated assault.

"By increasing the penalty for this offense and eliminating the possibility of probation, I hope we can discourage these criminal activities throughout Illinois," Senator Munoz said. "This legislation is another step in working to get guns off our streets."

House Bill 3390 will require that if a person is convicted of aggravated assault against a peace officer, community policing volunteer, private security officer, fireman, or an emergency medical technician, and a firearm is used and aimed at the person, the court must sentence the offender to at least the minimum term of imprisonment for the crime. This sentence is one to three years in prison. This legislation will go into effect July first of this year.

Currently, an offender who commits an aggravated assault against a peace officer, community policing volunteer, private security officer, fireman or an emergency medical technician is at least eligible for probation.

Those who advocated in favor of this legislation include the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

This legislation has passed the Senate and the House of Representatives and now goes to the Governor for his consideration.