This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish that the age of delinquency for certain serious offenses is set at ten years old. Specifically, it modifies the definitions of "delinquent child" and "child in need of protection or services" to clarify that a child under the age of 13 is not considered delinquent unless they are at least ten years old and are alleged to have committed a crime of violence, as defined in section 624.712, subdivision 5. This change aims to address the treatment of younger children in the juvenile justice system, particularly concerning serious offenses.

The bill also includes an effective date of August 1, 2026, for these amendments, indicating that the new definitions will apply to acts committed on or after that date. Additionally, it specifies that the clause regarding children who have committed delinquent acts or juvenile petty offenses before turning ten will expire on July 31, 2026. This legislative change reflects a shift in how the state approaches juvenile delinquency, particularly for younger offenders involved in serious crimes.

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