Bill > SB21

This bill directs the Offices of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to establish a stakeholder work group focused on developing a comprehensive plan to transfer the Department of Juvenile Justice's administrative responsibility from the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The work group will be diverse, including representatives from civil liberty organizations, youth justice and violence prevention groups, formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, and mental health professionals. By November 1, 2026, the work group is required to submit a detailed plan and recommended timeline for this transfer to specific legislative committees, including the House Committees for Courts of Justice and Public Safety, and the Senate Committees for Courts of Justice and Rehabilitation and Social Services. The bill aims to facilitate a strategic and collaborative approach to transitioning the oversight of juvenile justice services, potentially signaling a shift towards a more rehabilitative and health-oriented management of juvenile justice systems.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB21