JUVENILE JUSTICE: Provides that children in custody of the office of juvenile justice may attend review hearings via secure video conference. (8/1/26)

Changed the mandatory review hearing process from requiring physical transportation of the child to the court to allowing participation via a secure video conferencing platform.

Updated the participation requirement for Office of Juvenile Justice and contract staff from attending in-person hearings to participating virtually in the same manner as the child.

Changed the requirement for review hearing attendance so that Office of Juvenile Justice staff and contract staff must now participate in person, whereas the previous version allowed them to participate virtually.

Revised the attendance requirement for children to ensure they are physically transported to the court for in-person hearings every six months, unless the hearing is waived by both the child's counsel and the court.

Added a specific provision guaranteeing that any child committed to the office has the right to a private and confidential virtual consultation with their counsel of record before any review hearing.

Added a new requirement (Art. 906(B)(5)) allowing children to participate in a private and confidential virtual consultation with their counsel of record before any review hearing or proceeding.

Modified the review hearing schedule to allow courts to order hearings more frequently than every six months, provided the child participates via a video conferencing platform for those additional sessions.

Updated the bill title and legislative history to reflect the addition of the new subsection and the floor amendments adopted by the Senate.