Bill Haslam's juvenile justice bill advances with broad support after tweaks from judges

Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to overhaul the state's juvenile justice system moved forward with broad support Tuesday after changes were made to address some judges' concerns.

The governor's Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 includes provisions that would limit the number of children who are held in state custody, particularly for minor offenses like missing school or being disobedient. The bill also sets limits for sentencing and takes steps to keep children from being transferred to adult criminal courts.

Two panels of lawmakers unanimously endorsed the bill Tuesday after minimal debate. It was the first significant legislative test for the bill, and a positive omen for one of Haslam's top priorities in 2018.

► More:Haslam's juvenile justice plan would shrink number of youths in detention, shorten some sentences

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, who is sponsoring the bill in his chamber, told lawmakers the bill was "an important step” toward making sure that children from every corner of the state are treated equally.

The system that exists now doles out "justice by geography," Norris said.

A child in Nashville, Memphis or Knoxville is more likely to have a wide range of resources available to them, including help from a social worker or counselor. But courts in rural Tennessee are more likely to be left with two options: put a child into state custody or do nothing.

The bill is paired with a proposal of $4.5 million in annual funding for more support services, particularly in rural areas.

“We’ve got to find a way to get everybody pulling on the same oar rowing in the same direction here,” said Norris, R-Collierville. “The cost of doing nothing is much greater than supporting this bill."

Most lawmakers said their concerns with the bill had been addressed by an amendment that also was adopted Tuesday in response to concerns from some Tennessee judges. The amendment gives juvenile judges more leeway to tailor their sentences and responses to address specific cases.

Rep. Sherry Jones, D-Nashville, voted to advance the bill in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. But she said it did not go far enough to ensure significant progress in juvenile justice.

“The governor needs to step up and put some more money in this bill if we really want to help these kids,” Jones said.

Officials with the Haslam administration say they are open to pushing further in the future. They are considering forming a review committee that would recommend further changes needed in the system.

The bill is still making its way through the General Assembly. It will be up for debate again next week.

Reach Adam Tamburin at atamburin@tennessean.com or 615-726-5986 and on Twitter @tamburintweets.