CT HB07050

Increases the automatic transfer age for juveniles charged with capital felonies, class A felonies, class B felonies, or certain violent crimes from fourteen to fifteen years old, with exceptions allowing discretionary hearings for certain offenses.

Creates a Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee composed of legislative, judicial, executive, and advocacy representatives to evaluate juvenile justice policies and the expansion of jurisdiction to include sixteen and seventeen-year-olds.

Requires the committee to submit reports by January 1, 2015, July 1, 2015, and January 1, 2016 assessing diversionary programs, community-based services, facility conditions, disproportionate minority contact, recidivism, and educational outcomes in the juvenile justice system.

Establishes a presumption that mechanical restraints be removed from detained juveniles prior to and during court appearances, with in-court restraint use requiring court order and Judicial Branch written policy, and requires public reporting of restraint use statistics.

Directs the committee to implement a strategic plan integrating short, medium, and long-term goals for juvenile justice improvement and to collaborate with state agencies including Departments of Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Correction, and Children and Families.