Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the bill 'would' authorize these changes, indicating it is a proposal that has passed the Legislature but may still require executive action or further steps before becoming effective law.
AB-2698: Youth Court Diversion Pilot and Carjacking Penalty Increase
This law creates a pilot program allowing high school student volunteers to help decide outcomes for first-time juvenile misdemeanor offenders in six counties, while also increasing the prison time required for carjacking.
What This Bill Does
- Authorizes the Office of Youth and Community Restoration to run a grant program until January 1, 2030.
- Allows up to six one-time grants for counties to start youth court diversion programs for first-time misdemeanor juvenile offenders if the Legislature approves funding.
- Requires juveniles in the pilot program to appear before a jury made of trained high school student volunteers.
- Prohibits the student jury from deciding guilt or innocence, but requires them to decide on dispositions as specified by law.
- Increases prison sentences for carjacking from 3, 5, or 9 years to 4, 6, or 10 years.
Who It Names or Affects
- First-time juvenile offenders charged with misdemeanors in the six selected counties.
- High school student volunteers who serve on youth court juries after training by attorneys from district attorney and public defender offices.
- People convicted of carjacking under California state law.
Terms To Know
- Diversion
- A program that allows a person to avoid formal court processing by completing specific services or requirements instead.
- Disposition
- The decision made about what consequences or actions a juvenile must take after appearing in the youth court pilot, determined by student volunteers.
Limits and Unknowns
- The grant program only lasts until January 1, 2030.
- Funding for the grants depends on whether the Legislature approves money in future budgets.
- Only six counties will receive grants to run this pilot program.