SB134:

Juvenile and domestic relations district courts; raises maximum age for delinquency matters.

Bill Summary:

Juvenile and domestic relations district courts; Department of Juvenile Justice; extending jurisdiction in delinquency matters to persons 18 years of age or older but less than 21 years of age. Raises the maximum age for delinquency matters in juvenile and domestic relations district courts from persons under 18 years of age to persons under 21 years of age. The bill defines "underage person" as an individual who is 18 years of age or older but less than 21 years of age. The bill adds underage persons to all provisions regarding delinquency proceedings in juvenile and domestic relations district courts, the transfer of delinquency matters to circuit courts, and criminal procedure as currently applies to juveniles only. The bill differentiates between juveniles and underage persons in specific circumstances, including consent for medical or mental health records or procedures, mental health screenings in secure detention facilities, and provisions regarding release on bail or recognizance. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2024, and provides that the provisions of the bill shall apply prospectively and only to conduct or an offense that occurs on or after January 1, 2024. The provisions of the bill are contingent on funding in a general appropriation act.