Governor gets bill on juvenile justice

An effort to overhaul Arkansas' juvenile-justice system through a reduced reliance on youth jails is headed to Gov. Asa Hutchinson's desk after the House passed the legislation Tuesday by a 95-0 vote.

The "Restoring Arkansas Families Act" is the culmination of several years of research and work into juvenile-justice changes, according to the bill's sponsor, Sen. Missy Irvin, R- Mountain View. The legislation is also part of an effort begun by Hutchinson to reduce youth lockups.

Last fall, the governor announced the closing of two of the state's seven youth jails.

[RELATED: Complete Democrat-Gazette coverage of the Arkansas Legislature]

Irvin's bill would implement a statewide risk-assessment tool, which currently is in a pilot-program phase, to help better identify youths for placement in community supervision and services.

A spokesman for Hutchinson said the governor plans to sign the bill.

-- John Moritz

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