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FL H0295
Bill
Status
Introduced
11/3/2025
Primary Sponsor
Dianne Hart-Lowman
Click for details
AI Summary
- Requires a due process evidentiary hearing within 30 days before a child transferred to adult court can be prosecuted as an adult, unless the child waives the hearing
- Prohibits holding children in adult jails before the hearing determines whether adult prosecution is appropriate
- Narrows discretionary direct file criteria for 16-17 year olds to forcible felonies only, requiring at least two prior adjudications (one involving a forcible felony) for misdemeanors
- Removes the "involuntary mandatory waiver" provision that previously required state attorneys to seek adult transfer for children 14+ with certain violent offense histories
- Mandates judges consider eight specific factors at the hearing, including the child's maturity, trauma history, rehabilitation prospects, and whether juvenile court services could protect the community
Legislative Description
Prosecuting Children as Adults
Last Action
Withdrawn prior to introduction
1/7/2026
Committee Referrals
Criminal Justice Subcommittee11/12/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available