Connecticut House Bill HB06499

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Repealing The "raise The Age" Law.

Impact

If passed, this legislation would significantly alter the processing and treatment of youth within the legal system. The repeal could result in more minors being tried as adults for their offenses, which could lead to harsher penalties and longer sentences. This change could have lasting implications on the lives of affected youth, impacting their future opportunities and rehabilitation potential within the system. Additionally, it could shift responsibilities from juvenile facilities to adult correctional institutions, possibly raising concerns about the appropriateness of such environments for young individuals.

Summary

House Bill 06499 proposes the repeal of the 'Raise the Age' law, which previously expanded the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system from children under 16 years of age to those under 18. This change was enacted with the intention of addressing juvenile crime by providing a more rehabilitative approach rather than punitive measures for younger offenders. By reverting back to the older age cap, the bill aims to bring a stricter response to juvenile offenses, a move that proponents believe is necessary due to perceived increases in juvenile crime rates.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 06499 is likely to evoke significant debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters of the repeal argue that current juvenile justice laws may fail to adequately deter crime and that harsher penalties are warranted given rising concerns about public safety. Conversely, opponents argue that repealing the 'Raise the Age' law could unduly punish young individuals who may benefit more from rehabilitative services rather than incarceration. There are serious concerns about the psychological and societal impacts of introducing punitive measures into the lives of minors, particularly considering existing disparities within the justice system that may disproportionately affect marginalized youth.