HB 2101 Summary

• Requires circuit courts to consider psychological and developmental differences between minors and adults when sentencing minors tried as adults for nonviolent offenses, including vulnerability, impulsiveness, and diminished culpability.

• Allows courts discretion to impose sentences up to 50 percent shorter than mandatory minimum sentences if the minor enters a rehabilitation or diversion program, with the reduced sentence not falling below half the mandatory minimum.

• Permits courts to decline imposing mandatory sentencing enhancements when imposing sentences of five years or more incarceration.

• Applies only to minors whose cases were transferred from family court to circuit court pursuant to section 571-22 and who are convicted of nonviolent criminal offenses.

• Takes effect December 31, 2059.