House clarifies how juveniles charged alongside adults are transported

Michigan sheriffs and judges would have firmer ground rules when juveniles are charged in the same case as adults under a House-passed bill now sitting in the Senate.

The bill (HB 4018), sponsored by Rep. Mueller, amends the juvenile code to specify how a youth accused of taking part in a crime with an adult may be transported to court and detention. Supporters say current law leaves transport officers guessing and risks both safety incidents and constitutional challenges. Defense advocates worry tighter language could expose more juveniles to adult-style handling.

The House passed the bill 74 to 34 on Roll Call No. 20 on March 10 with two members not voting, and gave it immediate effect. The Senate received it on March 12 and referred it to the Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety.

The bill awaits Senate committee consideration.