The bill revises the Youth Court Act to expand the range of offenses that can be prosecuted in district court for youth aged 12 and older. New offenses included are aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, negligent vehicular homicide while under the influence, and various forms of trafficking. It allows youth to waive their right to a transfer hearing and establishes remedies for those who fail to meet the terms of a consent adjustment. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for filing motions, transferring cases, and the conditions under which youth may be detained in adult facilities, emphasizing the need for written consent adjustments and outlining the process for revocation if terms are not met.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions for consent decrees in youth court proceedings, allowing the county attorney, the youth's legal counsel, and probation services to enter into such agreements. A consent decree defers adjudication and places the youth under supervision, contingent upon an admission of guilt and a waiver of the right to a jury trial. The bill specifies that successful completion of a consent decree prevents re-adjudication for the same offense and mandates regular court reports if the decree extends beyond six months. It also restricts the use of consent decrees for certain repeat offenses unless recommended by the county attorney and accepted by the youth court judge, aiming to protect youth rights while providing a structured approach to juvenile offenses.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-5-206, 41-5-208, 41-5-1302, 41-5-1501, 41-5-1605
HB0332_1(1): 41-5-206, 41-5-208, 41-5-1302, 41-5-1501, 41-5-1605
HB0332_1(2): 41-5-206, 41-5-208, 41-5-1302, 41-5-1501, 41-5-1605
HB0332_1(3): 41-5-206, 41-5-208, 41-5-1302, 41-5-1501, 41-5-1605
HB0332_1: 41-5-206, 41-5-208, 41-5-1302, 41-5-1501, 41-5-1605