Connecticut House Bill HB06500

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Discretionary Transfers Of Juveniles To The Regular Criminal Docket.

Impact

This proposed amendment would allow courts to weigh various factors when determining whether or not to transfer a juvenile case, including the best interests of both the juvenile and the public. By providing clearer guidelines for the discretionary transfer process, the bill could potentially reduce the number of young offenders being tried as adults, thereby impacting state laws surrounding juvenile justice and the broader criminal justice system.

Summary

House Bill 06500, known as the Act Concerning Discretionary Transfers Of Juveniles To The Regular Criminal Docket, seeks to amend section 46b-127 of the general statutes to enhance judicial discretion regarding the transfer of juvenile cases to adult criminal court. The bill emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation by requiring juveniles and their legal guardians to participate in behavior resolution programs prior to the court's transferring decision. This aims to provide a pathway for juveniles to address their behavioral issues before facing serious criminal charges.

Contention

Notably, the bill might face contention regarding the adequacy and availability of the behavior programs suggested for juveniles. Critics may argue that without sufficient resources and programs, the bill could become ineffective or lead to disparities in the judicial process. Additionally, there could be concerns about the balance between rehabilitation and public safety, especially in cases involving serious offenses. The discretion given to courts might raise questions on whether it could lead to inconsistencies in how juvenile cases are handled across different courts.