By Bob Katzen

The Senate, on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to the House, a measure that would expand the number of board members on the Juvenile Justice and Policy Data Board from its original 21 members to 23 members. The bill would designate one of the additional seats to the Executive Director of the Commission on LGBTQ Youth or a designee and would designate the other additional seat to an individual with past juvenile justice involvement from a list provided by Kiva Centers and the Parent/Professional Advocacy League.

“I am thrilled to see my juvenile justice legislation pass through the Senate so we can ensure this critical board will have a voice representing LGBTQ youth and give more voice to individuals with lived experience in the juvenile justice system,” said sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “LGBTQ youth are more likely to be seriously mistreated by others in the juvenile justice system, face excessive punishments and are at higher risk of being rejected by their families and harassed in school settings. It is absolutely essential that we have someone from the LGBTQ community helping advise state agencies on how we can best support these youth.”