SB346 Summary

• Raises the age threshold for youthful offender status from under 19 to under 23 years old, or under 25 if a full-time student at the time of the crime.

• Allows judges discretionary authority to consider a defendant's prior youthful offender adjudication when determining whether to grant youthful offender status for a subsequent crime.

• Mandates expungement of a youthful offender's criminal record upon completion of any sentence, probation, and payment of all court-ordered fees.

• Requires victim notification 10 days prior to youthful offender hearings when charges involve intentionally inflicted serious physical injury or intentional killing, and mandates an evidentiary hearing on the allegations and injuries.

• Preserves prosecutors' access to youthful offender records regardless of jurisdiction while maintaining confidentiality from public inspection.