The Responsible Budgeting for Juvenile Safety Laws Amendment Act of 2025 aims to amend the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975 to ensure that fiscal impact statements for legislation affecting juvenile criminal procedures reflect the true costs associated with detaining, committing, or rehabilitating juveniles. The bill introduces a new subsection that mandates these fiscal impact statements to include any anticipated changes in costs, particularly when the population of secure detention facilities exceeds 90% of their capacity. Additionally, if proposed legislation is expected to increase the juvenile population in these facilities, the fiscal impact statement must account for the capital costs required to expand capacity by at least 10%.

This legislative change addresses a significant bias in the current council practice, where modifications to criminal procedures for juveniles do not undergo the same rigorous fiscal analysis as other youth programs. The bill responds to the overcrowding crisis at the District's Youth Services Center, which has been operating beyond its capacity, highlighting the urgent need for responsible budgeting in juvenile safety laws. By ensuring that the financial implications of legislative changes are thoroughly evaluated, the bill seeks to promote a more equitable and effective approach to juvenile justice in the District.