Senate Judiciary discusses S186 juvenile plea issues, refers bill to staff working group for drafting

The Senate Judiciary committee discussed Bill S186 on Feb. 25 and debated whether to pursue amendments immediately or refer the measure to a staff working group. The committee heard concerns about keeping plea agreements within the "nexus of conduct" for a given docket and the risk of combining unrelated cases into single plea agreements.

An unidentified committee member noted earlier comments from Valeria and suggested sending the bill to a staff working group to solicit additional suggestions. Another member said they were “50/50” on the approach but that a working group and report back next year could be appropriate because a future legislature cannot be bound by a current committee’s direction.

Members discussed a possible amendment to limit plea agreements to conduct connected to the original docket (the "nexus of conduct"). The presiding officer said they had asked Eric to draft language and requested Eric be contacted to provide a draft. The committee did not take a formal vote at the hearing; members indicated a preference for working-group review and for staff to prepare a draft amendment for consideration.

The committee paused the discussion and took a short recess while awaiting further drafting. The item will return for additional consideration once staff supply proposed language from the working group or counsel.