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A series of bills revamping the state’s juvenile justice system have cleared an initial hurdle, passing a Michigan House committee Tuesday.
State Representative Harvey Santana is the lead sponsor of the package of bills, which he calls the largest reform package of any legislature in the country.
The bills, among other things, change the age someone can be charged as an adult for committing certain crimes.
Right now in Michigan 17 year olds can be charged as adults.
The legislation would bump the age to 18 years old.
However prosecutors would have the ability to charge a 17 year old as an adult for committing heinous crimes.
The legislation now moves to the full Michigan House for a vote.
