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Advocates press bill to let trafficked minors sentenced as adults seek juvenile sentencing; domestic‑violence groups raise concerns
Summary
House Bill 441 would allow adult court judges to transfer sentencing of minors convicted as adults into juvenile court if clear and convincing evidence shows the minor was a victim of trafficking or abuse by the person they harmed; testimony highlighted trauma and rehabilitation benefits while some groups urged caution about scope and safeguards.
The committee heard wide testimony on House Bill 441, which would permit an adult court judge, at sentencing, to send a defendant who was tried or convicted as an adult back to juvenile court for disposition if the defendant proves by clear and convincing evidence that they were the victim of trafficking or abuse by the person they harmed.
Sponsor Delegate Brooke Lierman Simpson (presenting HB 441) framed the measure as a remedy for children who were trafficked or otherwise abused and later charged as adults for acts related to their victimization. Simpson and multiple witnesses stressed the difference between criminal…
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