The bill seeks to improve outcomes for juveniles adjudicated for offenses by expanding community placement options and refining procedural requirements. It mandates that when a juvenile is sentenced to confinement exceeding 30 days, the court must independently determine the necessity of such confinement for community protection, considering factors like the offense's severity and the juvenile's treatment needs. If confinement is deemed unnecessary, the court may impose local sanctions or electronic monitoring. The bill also modifies the criteria for imposing dispositions outside the standard range, requiring clear and convincing evidence of manifest injustice, and introduces treatment alternatives for juveniles with substance use or mental health issues, ensuring these options are culturally relevant and accessible.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the roles of the juvenile court and the department regarding confinement, stating that the court cannot dictate specific facilities for juveniles, which is left to the juvenile court administrator and the secretary. It establishes a structured parole program with specific conditions and notification requirements for law enforcement regarding the release of juveniles who have committed violent or sex offenses. The bill also revises the appeals process for juvenile dispositions, allowing for expedited reviews based solely on the disposition court's record, and sets eligibility criteria for community transition services, ensuring that individuals have served a significant portion of their confinement and have demonstrated appropriate behavior. Overall, the legislation aims to balance accountability with rehabilitation, enhancing public safety while supporting the reintegration of juvenile offenders.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.160, 13.40.230, 13.40.185, 13.40.0357, 72.05.420, 13.40.210, 13.40.215, 13.40.308, 72.01.412
Substitute Bill: 13.40.160, 13.40.165, 13.40.185, 13.40.0357, 72.05.420, 13.40.210, 13.40.215, 13.40.230, 72.01.412, 13.40.205
Second Substitute: 13.40.160, 13.40.165, 13.40.185, 13.40.0357, 72.05.420, 13.40.210, 13.40.215, 13.40.230, 72.01.412, 13.40.205
Engrossed Second Substitute: 13.40.160, 13.40.165, 13.40.185, 13.40.0357, 72.05.420, 13.40.210, 13.40.215, 13.40.230, 72.01.412, 13.40.205