Bill > S1242

This bill modifies existing law to create new requirements for the Department of Youth Services (DYS) when handling juvenile offenders before and during their legal proceedings. The bill mandates that DYS prepare a pre-adjudication report for the court that includes specific details about a juvenile offender's pre-trial experience, such as the duration of their detention, time spent on electronic monitoring, participation in educational and vocational programs, and their behavior and compliance during detention. Additionally, the bill requires DYS to incorporate these same details into their internal evaluation when a youth is committed to their custody, and to explicitly inform young offenders that their pre-trial behavior and program participation may positively influence their sentencing. The goal appears to be providing a more comprehensive view of a juvenile offender's circumstances and potential for rehabilitation, allowing courts to make more informed sentencing decisions that take into account the youth's efforts and circumstances prior to trial.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1242