Offenders under 20 would be automatically tried as juveniles under new California bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California lawmakers will consider expanding the reach of the state's juvenile justice system so that those under age 20 are automatically tried as minors - an idea backed by some state probation officers, who say teenagers aren't mature enough to be held responsible in the same way as older offenders.

Though few details are included in the legislation introduced at the state Capitol on Tuesday, Senate Bill 889 was proposed in "recognition that people under 21 still need guidance," said its author, state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. Skinner pointed to other laws, such as restrictions on purchasing tobacco, cannabis and alcohol,