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Sen. Braun: JR 25 expanded program, now Senate bill aims to address overcrowding at Green Hill
Summary
Sen. John Braun described overcrowding and unsafe conditions at Green Hill tied to the JR 25 juvenile-rehabilitation statute, said the Senate bill would give agencies tools to manage the population but flagged funding, staffing and implementation as major challenges.
Reporters asked about legislation addressing juvenile rehabilitation and a bill referred to as 5278. Sen. John Braun said JR 25 — the statute that expanded juvenile rehabilitation eligibility up to age 25 — had contributed to overcrowding and unsafe conditions at Green Hill, and he described the situation as a "disaster" that threatens residents and staff.
Braun said the Senate bill is not exactly what he wanted but that it should provide "real tools" to manage the population safely. He cited three main implementation challenges: funding, hiring sufficient staff, and practical implementation timelines. He said the agency and the governor's office support improvements and that there is interest in strengthening the bill in the House to ensure facilities such as Green Hill can be operated safely.
Why it matters: The condition of juvenile rehabilitation facilities raises both safety and fiscal concerns; legislative changes to JR 25 could change placements, service models and facility needs. Braun said the issue should be on the legislature's "must do" list for the year.
No vote or final outcome was announced at the press availability; Braun said he will continue to work with the House and the governor's office on improvements.
