The bipartisan bill to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction passed the N.C. House and will now move on to the Senate. The legislation aims to raise the age of youth jurisdiction so that 16- and 17-year olds who allegedly commit misdemeanors are handled in the juvenile system. Sixteen and 17-year-olds accused of felonies will remain in the adult system.

Craig DeRoche, president of Justice Fellowship and ROC signatory, said they “have seen this policy in other states lead to both fiscal savings and the restoration of children’s lives.”

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