Criminal Justice System Reform

Goal: Make felony-level charges for 16 and 17 year olds public data only if the final adjudication is felony level, rather than a plea agreement. Restrict the public inquiry into and use of juvenile records.

2010 Outcome: After passing the House and Senate, the Governor vetoed this bill. In his veto letter, the governor cast the entire proposal as one that would assist predatory sexual offenders.

The bill passed by the legislature would have closed court proceedings for 16 and 17 year olds, except in violent or severe cases where a judge determines the case should be open to the public. In cases that remain closed to the public, the record could also be more easily expunged. The bill also required substance abuse screenings in addition to mental health screenings for juveniles in detention facilities.

Background: Ex-offenders released from incarceration after serving their criminal sentences face a lifetime of barriers – unintended social and community punishments that continue long after their sentences have been completed.

Nowhere is this more challenging than in the area of juvenile offenders, who face impediments toward education, housing and employment long after transition back into society. It is important that we reform how juvenile records are controlled and accessed so juveniles can reach their full potential as adults.

Legislative Direction: