More teens would be tried in adult courts for gun offenses under Kentucky bill winning final passage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A bill intended to combat teen crime by transferring more youths for trial in adult courts when charged with gun-related gun offenses won final passage in the Kentucky legislature on Wednesday.

The Senate voted 24-10 to sent the bill to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear after accepting changes made by the House. The measure — Senate Bill 20 — is part of a broader push this year by the Republican-dominated legislature to toughen many penalties in the state’s criminal code.

Under the bill, youths would be transferred to circuit court for trial as adults — where they could face harsher penalties — when charged with serious felony offenses and if they used a gun when allegedly committing the crime. The measure would apply to youths 15 years old and up.

Republican state Sen. Matthew Deneen, the bill’s lead sponsor, has said the changes would ensure that “the time fits the crime” for gun-related offenses committed by teens. Deneen has said that many of the victims of teen gun violence are other teens.

The measure would roll back a criminal-justice policy enacted three years ago in Kentucky.

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At that time, lawmakers ended the automatic transfer of youths from juvenile court to circuit court in certain cases. Judges now have to hold a hearing to determine whether a transfer is appropriate based on evidence. Once in circuit court, teens can face the same penalties as adults, including prison. Under the new bill, teens convicted in circuit court would be held in a facility for juveniles until turning 18.

The bill’s passage came during a flurry of action Wednesday in the House and Senate as lawmakers neared the start of an extended break, which will give the governor time to review bills and decide whether to sign or veto them. Lawmakers will start their break after Thursday’s session, and will return to the Capitol for a two-day wrap-up session in mid-April.