AN ACT CONCERNING DISCRETIONARY TRANSFER FROM JUVENILE TO ADULT COURT.

SB 1441 amends Connecticut law to require a court hearing before transferring certain juvenile cases to adult court for serious firearm offenses and specific violent crimes. It directly affects children aged 15 or older charged with offenses like gun crimes (defined in section 53a-3) or other listed violent acts, who previously might have faced automatic transfer. The key change mandates that a court must hold a hearing within 30 days of arraignment to determine if transfer is appropriate, considering factors like the child’s prior offenses, mental health, and availability of juvenile services. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, ensuring these cases undergo a formal review before moving to adult court.