On February 4, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 296 – Juveniles – Detention and Confinement – Limitations on Juvenile Contact With Incarcerated Adults. 

This bill would sensibly limit the long-term holding of a juvenile in an adult detention center, including all local detention centers.

Local detention centers have gone to great lengths to comply with federal mandates that apply in the rare instances when they have juveniles in custody, but adjusting physical structures and procedures to account for these standards has been inconsistent and sometimes impossible. The resulting incomplete care and liability exposure in those instances should be avoided.

From MACo Testimony:

This bill wisely recognizes that adult detention centers operated by both the State and counties are not suitable for the holding of minors under any circumstances. In prohibiting the long-term holding of minors in these facilities, not only are local detention centers relieved of a substantial operational burden, but the minors in question will also be placed in an environment better suited to manage their needs and vulnerabilities.

SB 296’s cross-file, HB 389, was heard on February 5 in the Judiciary Committee. Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog