Bill Summary: HB 7045 - Juvenile and Young Adult Justice

• Extends juvenile court jurisdiction to include "young adults" (ages 18-20) accused of delinquent acts in phases: age 18+ beginning July 1, 2018; age 19+ beginning July 1, 2019; age 20+ beginning July 1, 2020.

• Modifies transfer procedures from juvenile to adult criminal court by establishing that cases involving class C, D, E felonies or unclassified felonies may be transferred only if public safety is better served and court considers best interests of the youth or young adult.

• Establishes detention risk assessment instrument to determine whether youth or young adults should be detained before trial, emphasizing least restrictive environment consistent with public safety.

• Allows courts to suspend execution of mandatory minimum sentences for persons convicted who were under 18 years old at time of offense.

• Creates Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee with expanded membership to plan implementation of extended jurisdiction and make recommendations on juvenile justice system reforms, services, and victim protections by January 1, 2018.