Committee adopts amendment to let state take concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military bases in certain cases

The committee adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 502 and reported the bill favorably.

Senator Wright presented the amendment, saying the bill would permit the state to exercise concurrent legislative jurisdiction for juveniles who allegedly violate federal law on a U.S. military installation when the federal prosecutor waives exclusive jurisdiction and the offense also violates state law. "Concurrent legislative jurisdiction would give juveniles living in military installations access to state juvenile justice system and its resources which provide better prospects for their rehabilitation," Wright said.

No extended debate followed; the amendment was adopted by voice vote and the committee reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call. Committee members thanked the sponsor for addressing concerns about service availability for juveniles in federal jurisdictions.

The measure advances with the amendment restoring state access to juvenile services in the covered circumstances.