By now you may have heard that the House and Senate have agreed in principle on a budget proposal, to be voted on by both chambers likely this week and presented to the Governor. The bill includes a compromise between the chambers on raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction. Though not finalized, the provision would have crimes (except motor vehicle offenses) for anyone under 18 begin jurisdiction in delinquency court, with a new procedure that would expedite transfer (after a finding of probable cause or by indictment) for 16- and 17-year-olds charged with A-G offenses. 16- and 17-year-old juveniles charged with H and I felonies would be subject to the current process of discretionary transfer, and 16- and 17-year-olds charged with misdemeanors would be processed in delinquency court. The section specifically referring to juvenile jurisdiction can be read here, and the full language of the bill can be found here.
Our office is analyzing the details of the proposal. We will provide our analysis for your consideration once the budget becomes law.
Thanks to everyone for their support of this issue over the years!
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