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News & Notes
Juvenile Justice Reform
After discussions with the Governor's Office, members in both the House and Senate and appropriations staff, it is clear that the 2008 legislative session will include significant juvenile justice reform. The recommendations from the Blueprint Commission that Secretary McNeil established to advise the state on reform are being finalized. The Blueprint Commission traveled throughout the state to hear comments from the public, as well as expert testimony, on how Florida's juvenile justice system should be reformed to encourage prevention, lower crime amongst our youth and successful early intervention and diversion. The final recommendations should be adopted next week and FAC is encouraging the Legislature to listen to the recommendations prior to moving any legislation. Currently, HB 273 by Rep. Adams and SB 792 by Senator Baker are filed and include significant changes to the system that cause concern. Both HB 273/ SB 792 make several changes that are cause for concern, but primarily our opposition has been on the provisions that extend the number of days juveniles can be kept in secure detention prior to adjudication. This time frame does include any extension of days a judge may grant because of a continuance. We oppose this change because it moves Florida's juvenile justice system in the opposite direction of what experts suggest to do in order to reduce recividism and increase prevention of juvenile crime. It delays the right to a speedy trial and compromises the integrity of the system by making changes without providing arguments why they are warrented. For information, click here.
HB 273 unanimously passed with a strike-all amendment out of House Juvenile Justice Committee this week and is next headed to House Safety and Security Council. Every member of the committee shared the Associations concerns and FAC staff will be working with those members, DJJ, the judges, and legislative staff next week to hopefully develop a better product that can be amended in Council. If you have not already done so, please review this legislation, the staff analysis of HB 273 (click here) and the hand-out referenced earlier, and then make sure you contact your local delegation about your concerns regarding the language.