SB 838 Summary

• Adds certain sex offenses to the list of felonies for which juvenile court hearings may be open to the public, specifically rape, sodomy, oral copulation, and sexual penetration when the victim was rendered unconscious by drugs or incapable of consent due to disability.

• Requires minors adjudged as wards of the court for sex offenses to complete a sex offender treatment program if suitable programs are available, with the court considering factors such as offense severity, victim vulnerability, criminal history, and risk of reoffending.

• Requires minors to pay all or a portion of reasonable costs for sex offender treatment programs based on their ability to pay.

• Prohibits deferred entry of judgment for minors charged with rape, sodomy, oral copulation, or sexual penetration when the victim was incapacitated by substances or incapable of consent due to mental disorder or physical disability.

• Establishes that if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill creates state-mandated costs, reimbursement shall be made to local agencies and school districts pursuant to state law.