CS/HB 129 Summary

• Authorizes state attorneys to file information to directly prosecute children ages 14-17 in adult court for specified serious crimes including murder, sexual battery, robbery, and burglary, based on prosecutorial discretion and public interest.

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

• Requires Department of Juvenile Justice to collect and annually report comprehensive data on direct file cases including demographics, charges, outcomes, and sentences imposed.

• Allows courts to impose juvenile, adult, or blended sanctions for children transferred to adult court; limits sentences to the maximum term an adult could receive for the same offense.

• Requires courts to enter written orders with specific findings of fact when imposing adult or blended sanctions and to consider sentencing criteria including child's age, maturity, family background, and rehabilitation prospects.

• Effective July 1, 2016.