The Conference Committee on House Bill 1012 voted 6-0 to restore a $750,000 appropriation for juvenile justice diversion services and to shift the funding source to the state’s 457 fund.

The action came after lawmakers questioned whether juvenile diversion belongs in the human services budget and whether the funding should be ongoing. "Going to the full 7, the house's position going back to the 750,000 appropriation, but per the recommendation from the department using, the $4.57 fund rather than general fund dollars," Representative Mitscog told the committee, moving the house position.

Jessica Thomas, HHS, told the committee the shift reflects the program’s goal and delivery model. "One of the reasons I think that the juvenile justice diversion is actually, typically viewed as more of a human service function than a justice system function is because our goal is to keep kids and families from ever engaging with the justice system," Thomas said, adding the department would pass grants through to local community providers rather than hire new state staff.

Committee members also discussed how juvenile justice responsibilities moved to human services during the 2017 reform and that zones took on duties without concomitant funding. The bill text includes a task force provision (section 13) to clarify roles and report to Legislative Management and the Children’s Cabinet.

Chairman Nelson called the roll after the motion and the committee recorded votes as follows: Chairman Nelson — yes; Representative O'Brien — yes; Representative Mitscog — yes; Chairman Deaver — yes; Senator Cleary — yes; Senator Davidson — aye. The committee secretary announced, "That motion passes 6 0."

The committee left other child welfare budget items for later consideration.

The committee adjourned until its next scheduled meeting the following morning at 9:30 a.m.