MO Lawmakers to Vote on Bill That Could Move That Twelve Year Olds be Tried as Adults

Missouri lawmakers will soon decide on whether to move the age of a juvenile being tried as an adult to as young as twelve years old.

The issue was on the agenda of a special session this week called for by Governor Parson dedicated to violence in Missouri.

Parson wants the decision to be up to judges and prosecutors.

If the measure passes, it would give judges the ability to determine if a child should be tried as an adult during the hearing.

Several Missouri advocacy agencies including Empower Missouri say this should not pass and that putting juveniles in adult prison is more harmful than helpful.

The Missouri House is scheduled to meet August 12th to vote on this.