FL H0517

Eliminates mandatory waiver provisions that previously required state attorneys to request transfer of children 14+ with certain prior felony adjudications to adult court, making all such transfers discretionary

Removes the state attorney's ability to directly file adult charges against 14-15 year olds for serious offenses including arson, sexual battery, robbery, kidnapping, murder, and armed burglary

Raises the minimum age for grand jury indictment on death penalty or life imprisonment offenses from any age to 14 years or older

Prohibits transfer to adult court for children with pending competency hearings or prior incompetency findings until competency is restored, with time limits tolled during competency proceedings

Requires the Department of Corrections to make reasonable efforts to completely separate convicted 16-17 year olds from adult offenders in correctional facilities