For people convicted on or after January 1, 2027, of a dangerous crime against children, courts may not end probation early, and these probationers cannot have their probation shortened through earned time or work time credits.
Official title: dangerous crimes against children; probation
- September 12, 2026
- Applies to convictions on or after January 1, 2027: Limits on early ending of probation and on earned time and work time credits for dangerous crimes against children
What changes
BeforeA court could end probation or intensive probation early, after notice to the prosecutor and, on request, the victim, if it found this served justice and the person's conduct on probation warranted it.
NowA court may not end probation or intensive probation early for a person convicted, on or after January 1, 2027, of a dangerous crime against children as defined in state law.
BeforeAt yearly review hearings for probationers under 22 who must register for an offense committed before age 18, the court considers whether to continue, modify or end probation.
NowAt these hearings, the court may not end probation early if the probationer was convicted, on or after January 1, 2027, of a dangerous crime against children. The court still considers registration and community notification as before.
BeforeEarned time credit (20 days off for every 30 days of progress) and work time credit (30 days off for every 30 days of eligible work) did not apply to people on lifetime probation, on probation for a class 2 or 3 felony, on probation only for a misdemeanor, or required to register under the law the text cites.
NowThese credits also do not apply to a person on probation for a dangerous crime against children who was convicted on or after January 1, 2027.
Who it affects
- People convicted on or after January 1, 2027, of a dangerous crime against children who are placed on probation
- Victims of these crimes
- Courts
- Adult probation officers and departments
- Prosecutors
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- Which specific crimes count as a dangerous crime against children; the text refers to another section of law for the definition
- Whether courts may still change other probation conditions for these probationers; the text addresses only ending probation early
- Why the January 1, 2027 conviction date was chosen
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.