SEA 368 made three key changes to a youth justice system that advocates say disproportionately impacts children of color and often prioritizes incarceration over reform and supportive services.

The bill:

• Banned the jailing of youth in adult facilities pre-trial, except in extraordinary circumstances.

• Initiated automatic expungement of records for many misdemeanor offenses for youth aging out of the system, helping them get on a path to success as adults.

• Created a system to establish competency for young people to stand trial, similar to the adult criminal justice system.

The bill was strongly supported by the Indiana Coalition for Youth Justice, comprised of 55 organizations.