Senate Bill No. 74, introduced by Senator Seabaugh, aims to amend the Children's Code regarding criminal court jurisdiction over juveniles. The bill proposes that special juvenile courts will no longer have exclusive jurisdiction over all juvenile criminal cases. Instead, it allows district, parish, or city courts to have original jurisdiction over juvenile misdemeanor and certain felony cases if a special juvenile court has not been established in the relevant parish. Additionally, the bill grants district attorneys the authority to transfer juvenile cases from special juvenile courts to other courts based on specific circumstances, thereby enhancing flexibility in handling juvenile criminal matters.

The bill also addresses the jurisdiction of juvenile courts concerning serious offenses committed by juveniles aged 15 and older. It maintains that these juveniles are subject to the original jurisdiction of the juvenile court until an indictment is returned or a continued custody hearing finds probable cause for the alleged offense. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of juvenile records and outlines the conditions under which a district attorney or the attorney general can transfer cases. The proposed changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and aim to streamline the judicial process for juvenile offenders while ensuring appropriate oversight and confidentiality.