AUSTIN, Texas (WBAP/KLIF News) — Texas lawmakers are considering whether to stop prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults. Houston area Rep. Gene Wu has a bill that would increase the age of adult prosecution to 18, arguing it would save money in the long run and rehabilitate lives.
In an interview with the Austin American-Statesman Wu asked, “Is this the right way to treat children? Think about when you were 17 and all the dumb things you did.”
Texas is one of only seven states that still prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults.
Department of Public Safety statistics suggest the change would increase the number of juvenile arrests by nearly 40 percent, requiring expansions of programs and facilities. Wu argues those costs would eventually be offset by a decline in re-offenders entering adult prisons because they would have access to rehabilitation opportunities as juveniles.
“What we’re just saying,” Wu explains, “is let’s give these kids a second chance.”
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