When it comes to second chances, a bill related to expunging juvenile arrest records is back before the governor for a second chance at becoming law. Last year Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis crushed the hopes of many juveniles hoping for a shot to clean up and eliminate their arrest records after completing diversion programs. .
Connecticut Senate Republicans have released a draft bill aiming to provide more work opportunities while also addressing a rise in crime among young people. Advocates say reforms should not be reversed, and strategies addressing crime should support community needs. Car thefts in the state increased 40% between 2019 and 2020, although data showed young people weren t the majority of those cases. .
With hours remaining in New Mexico s 2022 legislative session, a bill to disallow life sentences without the possibility of parole for juveniles was withdrawn from consideration. The bill would not have guaranteed, but instead created the "opportunity" for parole after 15 years in jail for juveniles sentenced as adults, but advocates such as the ACLU of New Mexico pointed out some lawmakers attempted to amend the bill beyond recognition. Denali Wilson, staff attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico, said demands for parole eligibility to be increased substantially beyond the 15 years were not acceptable. .