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HF287 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Ten years of age maintained as the minimum age of delinquency.

Related bill: SF2497

AI Generated Summary

This bill in Minnesota is aimed at maintaining specific age thresholds with respect to juvenile delinquency and petty offenses. Here are the key points simplified:

  1. Age Limit for Delinquency: The bill keeps the minimum age for being considered a delinquent at ten years old. However, beginning August 1, 2026, children under the age of 13 will no longer be classified as delinquent for acts they commit.

  2. Definition of Delinquent Child: The definition includes children who have violated state, local, or federal laws and those who have escaped from juvenile correctional facilities. Notably, children who commit first-degree murder after turning 16 or engage in certain sex-related offenses are not categorized as delinquent.

  3. Juvenile Petty Offenses: These are less serious offenses, such as juvenile alcohol or controlled substance offenses, or misdemeanors that would be legal if committed by an adult. Beginning August 1, 2026, the label of juvenile petty offender will likewise not apply to children under 13.

  4. Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS): The bill describes children who may be in need of state protection or services due to various conditions such as abuse, neglect, lack of parental care, medical neglect, exposure to criminal activity, or being trafficked. This definition also includes provisions for when parents are unable to care for their children due to several conceivable circumstances.

Overall, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify and adjust the definitions and handling of juveniles in relation to delinquency and protective services ensuring that younger children (below 13 years, post-2026) receive a different treatment compared to adolescents, with an emphasis on protection rather than punishment.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toPublic Safety Finance and Policy
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies that a delinquent child does not include children who committed an act before age 13."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific provision was removed, but existing definitions were amended."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends the definition of 'delinquent child' and 'juvenile petty offender' under section 260B.007, making changes effective starting August 1, 2026.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts age threshold for delinquency, modifying definition to exclude acts committed before age 13."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "260B.007"
  }
]

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