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Senate advances juvenile justice reforms; House bill 384 passes Senate unanimously
Summary
The Senate moved Second Substitute House Bill 384 (juvenile justice amendments) to the top of the calendar and passed it under suspension of the rules; supporters cited falling recidivism and expanded services up to age 25 in limited cases. (25–0).
Salt Lake City — The Utah Senate on March 11 advanced a package of juvenile justice changes when it passed Second Substitute House Bill 384 under suspension of the rules.
Senator Weiler, floor sponsor, said the bill is a priority of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) and multiple agencies and sought to clarify when a juvenile may be transferred to adult court, offer judicial parity for serious offenses, extend certain juvenile services for youths in custody up to age 25, and provide early intervention for truancy. "Research shows that transfer to adult court as a response to juvenile delinquency results in negative outcomes," Weiler said while describing provisions that generally keep children under 16 in juvenile court and allow courts discretion for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds charged with violent offenses.
The bill’s supporters on the floor said prior reforms reduced recidivism by more than 30% for the affected population since the earlier House Bill 239. Senator Weiler reported no organized floor opposition during debate. The Senate recorded a roll call and the Second Substitute House Bill 384 passed with 25 yea votes, 0 nays, and 4 absent; the bill will be signed by the president and returned to the House for the Speaker’s signature.
What’s next: The bill is transmitted back to the House and will go through enrollment and final processing before becoming law or being enacted under its effective date.
