This bill establishes the Task Force on the Status of Juvenile Delinquency and Remediation, which will consist of 23 members, including four legislative members, ten ex officio members from various state departments, six public members appointed by the Governor, and three public members with experience in processing juvenile offenders. The task force is tasked with examining the recent increase in juvenile delinquency cases, identifying potential legislative, executive, and judicial remedies, and assessing the coordination of services for juvenile offenders. It will evaluate issues such as the rise in serious offenses among juveniles, the availability of post-adjudication services, and the capacity of existing rehabilitation facilities.
The task force is required to organize within 120 days of the bill's effective date and will submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including legislative proposals, to the Governor and the Legislature within 18 months of its initial meeting. The task force will have the authority to seek assistance from state and local agencies as needed and will expire 30 days after submitting its report. The bill emphasizes the importance of addressing juvenile delinquency through a coordinated approach involving various stakeholders in the juvenile justice system.