HB 5806 Summary

• Establishes juvenile mental health courts as specialized court programs for juveniles diagnosed with serious emotional disturbance, co-occurring disorders, or developmental disabilities.

• Requires courts to adhere to 7 common characteristics including regularly scheduled dockets, less formal proceedings, age-appropriate screening, team management, and graduated incentives and sanctions.

• Mandates state court administrative office certification of all juvenile mental health courts beginning January 1, 2019, and maintains a statewide official list of certified programs.

• Prohibits admission of violent offenders (those adjudicated of first or second degree murder, criminal sexual conduct, or assault with intent to cause great bodily harm within the preceding 5 years) and requires juveniles to admit responsibility for alleged offenses.

• Allows courts to discharge and dismiss proceedings upon successful program completion with prosecutor agreement, and protects participant records and assessment information from public disclosure under freedom of information laws.