SB 558 Summary

• Eliminates the requirement that courts order children transferred to adult prosecution be detained in adult jails; removes provisions requiring housing separation requirements for children in adult facilities.

• Changes judicial waiver of juvenile jurisdiction from mandatory to discretionary; allows state attorneys to request transfer of children 16 years or older charged with specified serious felonies, with court making determination based on enumerated criteria and clear and convincing evidence standard.

• Restricts automatic adult prosecution to children 16 years or older (previously any age) charged with crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment; eliminates automatic adult treatment for subsequent violations.

• Authorizes courts to impose juvenile, youthful offender, or adult sanctions for transferred youth; requires courts to issue written findings explaining sentencing decisions, which are reviewable on appeal.

• Requires the Department of Juvenile Justice to collect and annually report detailed data on transferred youth including demographics, charges, prior record, disposition outcomes, and sentence lengths to the Legislature.