House Bill 453 Summary

• Revises the diversion process in Section 20-511 to allow prosecuting attorneys to refer cases to county probation officers or community-based diversion programs prior to filing a petition, using a validated screening tool to determine if court action is necessary.

• Creates an informal adjustment option in Section 20-520 available after sentencing for any juvenile case, allowing courts to impose reprimand, probation supervision, community service, or restitution for periods not exceeding three (3) years.

• Requires courts to dismiss cases when a juvenile offender satisfies the terms of an informal adjustment, the court finds no continued cause for the adjustment, and dismissal is compatible with public interest.

• Maintains a 60-cent per hour fee on community service work to fund worker's compensation insurance for juvenile offenders, with exemption for self-insured counties.

• Effective date of July 1, 2022, with emergency declaration.