Bill > SB458

This bill amends Arkansas law to require courts to more comprehensively consider a juvenile's background and traumatic experiences when making sentencing or transfer decisions in criminal cases involving minors. Specifically, the bill expands the factors courts must evaluate during transfer hearings and sentencing to include exposure to adverse childhood experiences, childhood trauma, involvement in child welfare or foster care systems, and experiences of human trafficking, sexual abuse, or rape. Courts must now examine how these traumatic experiences may have impacted the juvenile's behavior and consider the fundamental differences between juvenile and adult offenders, such as diminished culpability and typical youth characteristics. The legislation aims to create a more nuanced and compassionate approach to juvenile justice by recognizing that a young person's criminal behavior may be significantly influenced by past traumatic experiences and systemic challenges. By mandating consideration of these factors, the bill encourages courts to look beyond the immediate criminal act and understand the broader context of a juvenile's life circumstances when making legal determinations.

Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb458&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R