Relating to the procedure for the entering of a plea or a stipulation of evidence by a child subject to a determinate sentence.

This bill would modify the procedure for a hearing before a referee or associate judge. Under current law, if a juvenile is subject to a determinate sentence a referee or associate judge may not hold a hearing. If this bill passes, a referee or associate judge would be allowed to hold hearing to consider the disposition of a juvenile case. The intention would be to allow the juvenile to enter a plea or state a stipulation of evidence. After the hearing, the referee or associate judge would be required to transmit their written findings and recommendations to the juvenile court judge for consideration. The juvenile court judge may choose to accept or reject the recommendations. 

It is well within the proper role of government to adjust procedures to contribute to a more efficient court system. However, this bill does not have a measurable impact on our liberty principles, therefore we will remain neutral.