CS for SB 1082 - Juvenile Justice Summary

• Eliminates requirement that courts order children transferred to adult court be detained in adult jails; removes provisions regarding adult jail detention procedures.

• Revises direct file authority to allow state attorneys to file charges against 16-17 year olds for 17 specified serious crimes and 14-15 year olds for murder, manslaughter, or sexual battery when public interest requires adult sanctions.

• Prohibits transfer of children to adult court if they have pending competency hearings or have been found incompetent and not restored to competency.

• Establishes "reverse waiver" process allowing children transferred to adult court to request hearings for return to juvenile court based on offense seriousness, participation extent, sophistication, maturity, and prior offenses.

• Requires courts imposing adult sanctions to issue written orders with specific findings of fact and reasons, subject to appellate review; mandates Department of Juvenile Justice collect and annually report comprehensive data on children qualifying for direct file.