S.Amdt. 6473

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Grassley and Mr. Durbin, is known as the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2026. Its purpose is to update and change the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.

The amendment aims to add or change the following in the bill:

• Definitions and Facilities: It adds "any prison" to the definition of a "secure facility" and clarifies the use of "jails and lockups for adults."

• State Plan Requirements: It updates the requirements for State agencies, including:

  • Establishing and maintaining advisory groups.
  • Allowing funds to be used for programs addressing racial and ethnic disparities, socioeconomic status data collection, and diverting youth from the justice system.
  • Improving probation departments and incorporating restorative practices.
  • Ensuring training is culturally and linguistically competent.
  • Expanding protected categories to include religion, national origin, and sexual orientation.
  • Implementing trauma-informed approaches for investigating sexual and physical abuse.

• Custody and Detention: It creates strict rules for juveniles held for violating court orders related to status offenses, including:

  • Required notifications and in-person interviews within 24 hours.
  • Court hearings within 48 hours to determine placement.
  • A limit of 7 days in a secure facility for these specific violations.
  • A requirement for States to eliminate the use of valid court orders for secure confinement of status offenders by September 30, 2028.

• Adult Facilities: It generally prohibits juveniles from being held in adult jails or lockups. If a court finds it is in the "interest of justice" to allow it, the court must consider factors like age and maturity, ensure no "sight or sound contact" with adult inmates, and hold reviews every 30 to 45 days.

• Funding and Appropriations: It makes local public and private nonprofit agencies eligible for certain funds under specific exigent circumstances for no more than 2 consecutive years. It also extends the authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.