A new Florida law is aimed at keeping young people out of jail.
Jacksonville Democratic State Senator Audrey Gibson sponsored the Juvenile Justice legislation.
She says it allows police to issue more civil citations for juvenile offenders instead of locking them up. Gibson also says police will have more latitude dealing with minors who’ve committed nonviolent misdemeanors.
“The bill says that an officer can simply call a parent if they think that would be beneficial to that young person,” she said.
Gibson says this law will prevent a domino effect: Giving young people a second chance can steer them away from committing a second offense.
The law goes into effect on October 1.
