MO HB2038

Creates "Jonathan's Law" (sections 211.069, 211.071, and 211.073) governing transfer of juveniles aged 12-17 to adult court for felony offenses.

Requires mandatory transfer hearing for children allegedly committing first degree murder, second degree murder, first degree assault, forcible rape, forcible sodomy, first degree robbery, drug distribution, or two or more prior unrelated felonies.

Automatically terminates juvenile court jurisdiction for persons aged 17-21 upon arrest for any criminal offense if the juvenile court had retained continuing jurisdiction.

Allows courts to impose "dual jurisdiction" sentencing for offenders under 17 years and 6 months, combining juvenile disposition with suspended adult criminal sentence, with successful juvenile completion required before adult sentence execution.

Requires courts to make findings on record explaining why division of youth services was inappropriate if the court declines to impose juvenile disposition despite the division agreeing to accept placement.