CO HB1139

Juveniles tried as adults in district court cannot be held in adult jails or pretrial facilities unless the district court finds after a hearing that an adult jail is the appropriate place of confinement.

District courts must consider nine specific factors when determining jail placement, including the juvenile's age, emotional and developmental maturity, risk of harm in juvenile facilities, and availability of mental health and educational services.

The Division of Youth Corrections may petition the district court to transport a juvenile to an adult jail within 20 days of charges being filed or transfer occurring, with the juvenile remaining in a juvenile detention facility pending the court's decision.

Juveniles placed in adult jails may petition for review hearings every 30 days, and the Division of Youth Corrections may petition for immediate hearings if the juvenile's placement presents imminent danger to other detainees or staff.

The bill establishes a safety clause declaring the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.