MT HB332

Expands the list of offenses for which youth aged 12+ or 16+ may be charged in district court rather than youth court, adding crimes including aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, negligent vehicular homicide while under the influence, strangulation of a partner or family member, kidnapping, aggravated sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, and ritual abuse of a minor

Allows youth to waive their right to a transfer hearing in writing or on the record, and permits youth to waive hearings through written stipulation for automatic transfer to district court and adult probation services when they turn 18, with supervision possible up to age 25

Strengthens detention requirements for youth held in adult facilities pending trial, requiring sight and sound separation from adults, written court findings that detention is in the interest of justice, and mandatory review hearings every 30 days plus an additional hearing before 180 days

Provides new remedies when youth fail consent adjustment terms, allowing county attorneys to either file delinquency charges or petition to revoke the consent adjustment, with the youth court able to proceed to adjudication upon finding a violation

Revises consent decree requirements to mandate that youth enter a formal admission of guilt, waive the right to jury trial, and have the court verify these waivers are knowing and voluntary; defines "consent decree" as an agreement deferring adjudication while placing youth on probation supervision