This bill amends the definition of "youthful offender" to include voluntary manslaughter, thereby broadening the classification of serious offenses applicable to juveniles. It also extends the duration of supervised release from juvenile facilities to facilitate a more structured reintegration process. New provisions are introduced for issuing warrants and tolling the time of supervised release for delinquent children who abscond. The "Juvenile Community Corrections Act" is renamed to the "Juvenile Community Connections Act," with the associated grant fund also receiving a new name, aimed at supporting programs for adjudicated delinquent children. Additionally, the bill establishes a local panel to assess the next steps for delinquent children in juvenile facilities and initiates a three-year pilot project for a monetary stipend to improve outcomes for former foster or delinquent children.

Moreover, the bill revises the Governmental Immunity Act by redefining certain terms and expanding the definition of "immune contractor" to include licensed foster parents and medical practitioners serving children in state custody. It also clarifies the definitions of "state" and "local public body." The monetary stipend project will provide monthly assistance to eligible adults under 26 who are former foster or delinquent children, with the higher education department overseeing the administration and reporting on the project's outcomes. The bill emphasizes the importance of community-based services and financial support in enhancing the rehabilitation and well-being of youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 33-9A-1, 33-9A-2, 33-9A-3, 33-9A-4, 33-9A-5, 41-4-3, 41-13-2
JC substitute: 32A-2-3, 32A-2-19, 32A-2-25, 33-9A-1, 33-9A-2, 33-9A-3, 33-9A-4, 33-9A-5, 33-9A-6, 41-4-3, 41-13-2