Bill > SF2497

This bill maintains ten years of age as the minimum age for delinquency in Minnesota, effectively removing previously proposed language that would have raised the minimum age to 13 years old. Specifically, the bill amends three statutory sections related to juvenile justice definitions, removing provisions that were set to take effect on August 1, 2026, which would have excluded children under 13 from being classified as delinquent children or juvenile petty offenders. The legislation preserves the current legal framework where children who commit offenses can be considered delinquent starting at ten years old, ensuring that the juvenile justice system retains its ability to intervene and address behavioral issues in children at an earlier age. The bill also maintains existing provisions about different types of offenses and exceptions, such as those related to serious crimes like murder, and keeps intact the definitions of what constitutes a delinquent act or juvenile petty offense. By maintaining the current minimum age of delinquency, the bill aims to provide consistent legal mechanisms for addressing juvenile misconduct while potentially allowing for earlier intervention and support for children exhibiting problematic behaviors.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2497&ssn=0&y=2025