As we get closer to the start of the next legislative session for our state lawmakers, several topics will be looked at by both the Senate and the House.

One topic that District 24 Senator Jerry Behn would like to examine this session is holding minors who commit murder more accountable.  He says the Supreme Court ruled that if a person under the age of 18 commits murder, they cannot be sentenced to life in prison.

He doesn’t agree with how the law is stated to not allow for the option of life in prison for a minor who commits murder, regardless of their age.

“I think it’s one of those deals where the courts weighed into something they shouldn’t have, but now we’re left to pick up the pieces and we’re going to have to figure out how you hold anybody or everybody accountable for their actions.  I don’t care whether they’re 12 or whether they’re 20, if there’s a crime committed somehow they need to be held accountable.”

District 47 Representative Chip Baltimore was recently re-selected as chair of the House Judiciary Committee and he is going to try again this session to pass a bill that would eliminate time off for good behavior for criminals who kidnap children.  He points out that the House tried to pass a bill last session, but there wasn’t bipartisan support in the Senate.

The first day of the 86th General Assembly begins on Monday, January 12th.