Landmark juvenile justice bill clears Legislature
The last remaining measure in a package of 20 juvenile justice reforms cleared its final legislative hurdle early Friday morning, sending the legislation to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature.
The legislation guarantees juveniles access to an attorney, providing the same rights already afforded to adults and fulfilling the guarantees made in both the United States and Michigan constitutions. The bill, championed by the State Bar of Michigan, also authorizes the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to develop and implement statewide minimum standards for youth defense.
"Children need, deserve, and are entitled to legal representation," said State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh. “Passage of this milestone legislation reflects the very best of what the legal profession can accomplish when we work together in service of the public. As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, this is a true testament to the enduring commitment of the legal profession to protect constitutional rights and strengthen our system of justice."
The juvenile justice reform package grew out of recommendations unanimously adopted by the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform in 2021, following a comprehensive review of the state's juvenile justice system. Nineteen of the 20 recommended reforms were signed into law in 2023. The final measure remained stalled for more than two years.
It finally won full legislative approval early Friday morning in a marathon overnight session. The House approved the measure at 1:23 a.m., and the Senate concurred with the House substitute at approximately 6:30 a.m., sending the bill to the governor, who is expected to sign it.
The coalition supporting the bill’s passage also includes the Gault Center, Michigan Center for Youth Justice, ACLU of Michigan, and Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.
POSTED: July 3, 2026