H.B. 418 Summary

• Grants circuit courts discretion to impose sentences on minors (whose cases were waived from family court) that are up to 50% shorter than otherwise mandatory minimum sentences, provided the sentence is not less than half the mandatory minimum.

• Requires circuit courts to consider the differences between minor and adult offenders, including diminished culpability of minors and typical characteristics of youth, when sentencing minors convicted in circuit court.

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

• Takes effect July 1, 2021, and does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.