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Lawmakers press AG on youth justice: facilities, capacity and age range up to 25
Summary
Committee members questioned the Attorney General about juvenile justice reforms, facility siting and capacity (Central and Southern sites set, targeted completion 2027), and whether placing youths up to age 25 together is appropriate. AG said programming is tailored and offered follow‑up material.
Members of the Assembly asked extensive questions about juvenile justice programs, facility construction timelines and the age range for Youth Justice Commission placements.
The Attorney General said recent legislative changes extend Youth Justice Commission jurisdiction up to age 25 and described facility planning and design for three regional centers, with Central and Southern sites selected and a Northern site nearly finalized. He gave a projected completion date of 2027 for Central and Southern facilities and acknowledged questions about whether three new sites and the planned capacity will meet future demand.
Lawmakers asked whether a 25‑year maximum creates problematic age spans when younger residents (13–15) are housed in the same facility; the AG said programming (GED, vocational training, apprenticeships) is tailored by resident needs and that transitional support and reentry programs exist. He agreed to provide technical documentation — facility specifications, population assumptions and staffing models — through the chair for more detailed legislative review.
Committee members also raised parole and staffing‑vacancy questions and asked for data on parole case counts and adjudications; the AG offered to supply those metrics through committee channels.
