HB 2360 Summary

• Raises the minimum age for juvenile delinquency from ten years old to fourteen years old by amending the definition of "delinquent act" in section 8-201.

• A "delinquent act" now applies only to juveniles who are fourteen years of age or older and whose conduct would constitute a criminal offense if committed by an adult.

• Amends section 8-307 to require that any child fourteen years of age or older against whom a complaint has been filed for a delinquent act must appear at juvenile court.

• Maintains the juvenile court's discretion to refer a child to a youth service bureau or similar counseling program if the offense is a misdemeanor (other than assault or battery) and is the child's first offense.

• Changes the requirement that law enforcement "shall" notify parents of complaints to "does not bar any proceeding" if notification fails, clarifying that failure to notify does not invalidate court proceedings.