This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to maintain the minimum age of delinquency at ten years old. It specifically clarifies that a "delinquent child" does not include a child who has committed a delinquent act before reaching the age of 13. The bill also modifies the definition of a "juvenile petty offender" to exclude children who have committed a juvenile petty offense before the age of 13. Additionally, it updates the definition of a "child in need of protection or services" to include those who have committed a delinquent act or juvenile petty offense before the age of ten, while removing the previous provision that would have expired on July 31, 2026.

The bill makes several key insertions and deletions to the existing legal language. Notably, it deletes provisions that would have excluded children from being classified as delinquent if they committed acts before turning 13, effective August 1, 2026. It also adds new language to clarify the definitions of delinquent acts and juvenile petty offenses, ensuring that the law reflects the intention to protect younger children from being labeled as offenders for actions taken at a very young age. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework surrounding juvenile delinquency and the treatment of minors within the justice system.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 260B.007, 260C.007