The bill aims to amend West Virginia Code §49-4-720 to clarify the conditions under which juveniles may be detained or confined in institutions where they might have contact with incarcerated adults. It seeks to eliminate potentially confusing language regarding the detention of juveniles in facilities where they could come within sight or sound of adult inmates. The proposed changes include the insertion of new language that grants the Commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation the discretion to oversee the security and direct care staff in such facilities, ensuring that the process is managed appropriately.

Additionally, the bill maintains the prohibition against holding juveniles, including those transferred to adult criminal jurisdiction, in adult correctional facilities while they are under 18 years of age. It outlines the responsibilities of the Division of Juvenile Services to notify the court when a juvenile is approaching the age of 18, prompting a hearing to determine the appropriate course of action regarding their custody. The overall intent of the bill is to enhance the clarity of existing laws and ensure the protection of juveniles in the correctional system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-4-720