HI HB218

Grants circuit courts discretion to impose sentences on minors convicted of non-violent criminal offenses that are up to 50 percent shorter than mandatory minimums, provided the sentence is not shorter than half the mandatory minimum.

Allows circuit courts to decline imposing mandatory sentencing enhancements when sentencing minors to incarceration of five years or more.

Requires circuit courts to consider the differences between minor and adult offenders, including diminished culpability and typical characteristics of youth, when sentencing minors waived from family court jurisdiction.

Applies only to cases where family court has waived jurisdiction under section 571-22 and the minor is convicted in circuit court.

Takes effect January 1, 2059.