DE HB405

Establishes a juvenile offender civil citation program in Delaware coordinated by a statewide Civil Citation Coordinator within the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services as a civil alternative to arrest and prosecution for eligible youth.

Authorizes peace officers to issue civil citations to first-time offenders for six specified misdemeanor offenses: underage alcohol possession/consumption, criminal trespass in the third degree, misdemeanor shoplifting, disorderly conduct, loitering, and marijuana possession.

Requires juveniles issued civil citations to voluntarily participate with parental consent and contact a designated Civil Citation community provider within 7 business days for intake and assessment, with providers recommending appropriate interventions such as counseling, treatment, or community service.

Allows successful completion of the civil citation program to result in discharge without arrest, while unsuccessful completion or non-compliance permits the issuing officer to arrest the juvenile and proceed with standard delinquency proceedings.

Requires the Civil Citation Coordinator and Quality Assurance Unit to collect program data and make annual recommendations to the Criminal Justice Council and General Assembly regarding expansion and funding, with the program expiring 2 years after enactment unless extended by subsequent legislation.