Senate Bill No. 74, introduced by Senator Seabaugh, aims to amend the jurisdictional framework for juvenile criminal cases in Louisiana. The bill proposes that special juvenile courts will no longer hold exclusive original 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 discretion to transfer juvenile cases from special juvenile courts to other courts of proper jurisdiction and venue under specific circumstances.

The bill also addresses the handling of serious offenses committed by juveniles aged 15 and older, maintaining that they will remain under the jurisdiction of juvenile courts until an indictment is returned or a probable cause hearing is held. The district attorney retains the option to proceed under either the Children's Code or the Code of Criminal Procedure. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the confidentiality of juvenile records and outlines the conditions under which these records may be disclosed. The proposed changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.