OLYMPIA – Sen. Jeannie Darneille (D-Tacoma) introduced a bill today that would raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to ages 13-19, up from 8-17. Senate Bill 5122 was created to respond to research that shows teenagers benefit more from the rehabilitative response available in the juvenile court system as compared to the adult criminal legal system. “There is very strong research-based evidence showing this legislation would decrease involvement in the criminal legal system for tens of thousands of young people,” said Darneille. “This evidence also shows this would reduce recidivism and improve health outcomes by maintaining their access to employment opportunities, housing, and economic stability. Because our current policing system and the school to prison pipeline disproportionately harm youth ...
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About Sen. Darneille
I am proud and honored to represent the 27th Legislative District in the Senate, building upon the experience I gained during 12 years in the House of Representatives.
I understand the needs and concerns of families struggling to make ends meet. In the House, I worked to increase education funding for all learners; expanded health care for children, families, and the disabled; developed a safe environment for children and adults to learn, grow, and thrive; safeguarded civil liberties; and promoted economic opportunities to create living-wage jobs that improve the well-being of families.
This work is not finished and I intend to continue as Senator to be the voice of those in need.
Read my full biography here.
Sen. Darneille In The News
Crosscut: Washington state’s other epidemic: Mass incarceration
by Marcus Harrison Green In all, the decadeslong epidemic has devastated the lives ...
Read MoreThe Appeal: When running away from home means getting locked up
by Charlotte West Washington detains more children for status offenses such as ...
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