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Ending Secure Detention for Youth Status Offenders: New Protections for Minors.

This bill protects minors who commit non-criminal "status offenses" (like running away or skipping school) from being placed in secure detention facilities. It eliminates a legal loophole that currently allows judges to detain youth for violating a court order related to these non-criminal acts. The goal is to prevent children from being exposed to negative influences associated with the juvenile justice system.
Key points
Prohibits states receiving federal grants from using court orders to lock up youth for status offenses (acts that are not crimes for adults).
The "Valid Court Order" (VCO) exception, which allowed detention for non-criminal violations, is phased out within one year.
Temporary detention limits are tightened: maximum detention time under a VCO is reduced from 7 days to 3 days, and detention is limited to only once every six months.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8626
Sponsor: Rep. Cárdenas, Tony [D-CA-29]
Process start date: 2024-06-05
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Prohibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8626.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-06-05.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Prohibits states receiving federal grants from using court orders to lock up youth for status offenses (acts that are not crimes for adults).
  • The "Valid Court Order" (VCO) exception, which allowed detention for non-criminal violations, is phased out within one year.
  • Temporary detention limits are tightened: maximum detention time under a VCO is reduced from 7 days to 3 days, and detention is limited to only once every six months.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Cárdenas, Tony [D-CA-29].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Family