Under two new laws that amend the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, some juveniles may soon be trading in their tattoos for additional community service hours.

PA 91-18 will penalize a person who knowingly leaves a firearm where a minor under 14 years of age can access it if the minor later causes death or serious bodily harm with it.

The Juvenile Court Act, 705 ILCS 405/1 et seq, attempts to best serve the safety and ``welfare of [an accused minor] and the best interests of the community'' by shielding the minor from the full force and application of the Illinois Criminal Code.

According to Senator Hawkinson, the re-write of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act incorporates mostly technical changes to meet the sponsors' intent to create a system that protects the community, holds juvenile delinquents accountable for their crimes, and lets juvenile offenders live responsibly and productively.