Criminal Law - Criminal or Delinquent Act of a Child - Liability of a Parent, Guardian, or Custodian

HB 683 makes it a misdemeanor for parents, guardians, or custodians to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently act (or fail to act) in a way that causes a child to commit a crime or break the law. If convicted, they face up to 30 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both, and must participate in court proceedings and treatment programs for the child. The law also requires courts to order parents/guardians to pay court costs and restitution related to the child’s offense, while prohibiting fines for parents under certain circumstances. This directly affects parents, guardians, and custodians of children who commit crimes, shifting accountability to adult caregivers for their role in the child’s actions.