The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday on a 25-9 vote that will now advance to the House.
Violent teenagers 15-years-old and up who commit a crime using a firearm for crimes such as homicide, robbery, assault or sexual offenses would be moved to circuit court for trial.
Senate Bill 20 reads that a youth 15 or older who is charged with a “Class A, B or C felony” will be tried as an adult if they used a weapon in their criminal act.
The proposal’s lead sponsor, Sen. Matthew Deneen (R), declared its implementation would mean “the time fits the crime” for minors who commit the acts of adults.
“We owe the victims of these gun-related felonies justice, by holding these perpetrators accountable,” Deneen explained. “Gun-related crimes are jeopardizing our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
These teenagers are currently subject to a hearing to determine if they will be tried as adults. Under the new bill, those tried and convicted in circuit court will be incarcerated in a juvenile facility until they turn 18 and may be moved to an adult prison.
Procedures for minors accused of committing serious crimes are covered at present by 2021’s Chapter 132 of An Act Relating to Children. It allows judges and district attorneys to decide whether an underage suspect charged with a felony will be tried in adult court.
Those transfers, if currently approved, may also be reversed.
The bill now moves to the House for consideration and then would go to the desk of Gov. Andy Beshear (D).
