Panel debates requirement that judges make individualized findings before committing juveniles to state institutions

House Bill 13 22 was the subject of an extended public hearing in the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee. The bill would require courts, before imposing a standard‑range disposition that includes institutional confinement, to make an independent written finding supported by clear and convincing evidence that community‑based placement would not adequately protect the community; the bill lists exceptions for certain very serious offenses. The bill also would authorize courts to impose electronic home monitoring for certain periods, require periodic review hearings for committed juveniles, expand eligibility for community‑based disposition alternatives, and allow some short minimum‑range confinement terms to be served locally rather than in state juvenile institutions.

Representative Roger Goodman, the bill sponsor, framed the change as a restoration of individualized judicial discretion and reliance on research showing that removing juveniles from their communities can be…