IA HF670

Expands the definition of "child" under juvenile justice law to include persons under 21 years of age (up from 18) if proceedings related to an offense began before the person turned 18

Creates juvenile pre-charge diversion programs certified by the Department of Health and Human Services for children who allegedly committed simple misdemeanor offenses, diverting them from formal juvenile court proceedings

Requires peace officers or law enforcement agencies to refer eligible children to certified diversion programs instead of filing complaints, if a program exists in their jurisdiction and the child has not been referred within the prior 12 months

Maintains juvenile court jurisdiction for all misdemeanor offenses, animal torture offenses by children under 17, and cases transferred from district court; felony cases remain subject to waiver proceedings under existing law

Directs HHS to convene a study committee during the 2025 legislative interim to examine alternatives to juvenile detention for probation or technical violations, with a report due to the legislature and governor by December 15, 2025