Bill H.590, introduced by Representative Rachelson of Burlington, aims to prohibit the detention and incarceration of minors under 18 years of age in adult correctional facilities. The bill amends existing law to ensure that minors charged with delinquent acts are not placed in jails or facilities intended for adults, except under specific circumstances that are no longer applicable. It establishes that minors adjudicated as delinquents cannot be committed to institutions primarily for adult offenders, and mandates that officials in charge of adult facilities must notify the court immediately if a minor is received.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing provisions regarding the placement and treatment of minors in secure facilities. Notably, it replaces language regarding the risk of harm to oneself with a more neutral term, and it introduces a prohibition on the detention of minors in adult facilities, reinforcing the separation of minors from adult offenders. Additionally, the bill repeals outdated provisions related to the placement of minors convicted of felonies or misdemeanors in adult facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 33-52