The Juvenile Civil Citation Program is a statewide civil alternative to the formal arrest and criminal prosecution of youth under 18 who commit program eligible misdemeanor offenses. Its primary purpose is to prevent further delinquency, and appropriately address participating youth offenses without creating a criminal record or court intervention.
The program offers law enforcement the option of issuing the youth a civil citation in lieu of arrest. During the program period, participating youth are required to contact pre-assigned community providers to complete an assessment to identify their risk and needs. They also must complete five (5) hours of community service, a community impact statement, and work towards reducing potential future contact with the juvenile justice system.
Representative Debra Heffernan has introduced House Bill 241 so as to add possession of alcohol or marijuana to the eligible offenses and permits officers to refer young people to the program where they may be referred to counseling, treatment, or other appropriate interventions, rather than issue a criminal citation that would lead to a criminal record.
The bill is already out of committee and will likely get a vote in the House before the end of this year’s session.
| House Bill 241 Sponsors | Yes Votes | No Votes |
| Heffernan, Dorsey Walker, Lynn, Osiensi | ||
| Paradee, Sturgeon | ||
| Current Status — Out of Committee 6/15/21 |
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