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LD 535

An Act To Authorize Judicial Disposition Of A Juvenile Adjudicated Of Murder Or A Class A Crime To A Term Of Commitment Extending Beyond The Juvenile'S 21St Birthday

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Fredette

Allows courts to sentence juveniles adjudicated of murder or Class A crimes to commitments beyond age 21, potentially raising adult corrections costs.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#juvenilecode #juvenileoffenders #sentencing
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Bill Summary · LD 535

Summary of LD 535: An Act To Authorize Judicial Disposition Of A Juvenile Adjudicated Of Murder Or A Class A Crime To A Term Of Commitment Extending Beyond The Juvenile's 21st Birthday

Overview

LD 535 would authorize a court to impose a period of commitment for a juvenile adjudicated of murder or a Class A crime that extends beyond the juvenile’s 21st birthday. In effect, it would allow certain juveniles to be sentenced to adult-type commitments that continue past age 21. The bill was introduced on February 11, 2025 (Sponsored by Rep. Fredette of Newport) and was referred to the Judiciary Committee. The bill is currently listed as DEAD (placed in Legislative Files).

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Judicial disposition beyond age 21: The core change would permit a court to sentence a juvenile adjudicated of a Class A crime (including murder) to a term of commitment that extends beyond age 21.
  • Potential impact on corrections population: The provision could increase the adult corrections system population, depending on how many juveniles would be subject to such dispositions.
  • Administrative and legal process: The bill would require processing and responses to motions for new juvenile court dispositions, as well as additional costs for the Office of the Attorney General (AGO).

Fiscal Impacts

  • General Fund appropriations: The bill allocates funds for one Resource Coordinator position and related costs, plus AGO costs.
    • FY 2025-26: $257,387
    • FY 2026-27: $249,895
    • FY 2027-28: $255,498
    • FY 2028-29: $261,303
  • Net cost (savings) and allocations are shown in two related fiscal notes (LR 378(01) and LR 378(02)) and are consistent across amendments.
  • Notable context: The current average cost of incarcerating one person for a single year is estimated at $55,203, illustrating the potential financial impact of extending commitments into adulthood.

Who Is Affected

  • Juveniles adjudicated of murder or Class A crimes who could be subject to extended-term commitments.
  • Department of Corrections (DOC) for potential longer-term commitments and associated costs.
  • Office of the Attorney General (AGO) for increased case processing and related legal costs.
  • Prosecutors, defense counsel, and juvenile/juvenile-to-adult transition processes.

Procedural History and Status

  • February 11, 2025: Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • March–April 2025: Work sessions and committee votes; reported out as ONTP/OTP-AM (Open/Amendment) and subsequently moved through House actions.
  • April 30, 2025: Roll call (Roll Call No. 103) with significant votes; Majority Ought Not To Pass Report was accepted in concurrence.
  • May 6, 2025: Reports READ; LD 535 placed in Legislative Files (DEAD), ending its advance in this session.

Notes

  • The bill’s status reflects legislative fate rather than its technical feasibility or constitutional considerations.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Fredette (Newport); Committee: Judiciary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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