Children ages 10–12 could face juvenile court for covered crimes

Children ages 10–12 accused of covered crimes would fall within the definition used for juvenile delinquency cases. The exception would cover children who were at least 10 but younger than 13 when the alleged act occurred. The alleged crime must meet the definition of a crime of violence in section 624.712, subdivision 5. The separate exclusion for allegations of being hired, or offering or agreeing to be hired, for sexual acts would still apply. Section 1 would take effect August 1, 2026, and the age rule would apply to acts committed on or after that date.

One age-based reason for identifying children who need protection or services would exclude children covered by the violence exception. The exception would cover children ages 10–12 under the rule for children who commit an offense before turning 13. The exception would require an allegation of a crime of violence as defined in section 624.712, subdivision 5. Children could still qualify for protection under other reasons, such as abuse, neglect, or a dangerous home environment. Section 2 would take effect August 1, 2026, when the rule for offenses committed before age 13 would begin.