TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has given final approval to a bill that would put some juvenile offenders in adult prisons. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that House members agreed to accept the Senate's amendments to the bill that both chambers have passed. The bill passed the House on a 111-5 vote and the Senate approved it last week on a 40-0 vote. It will now go to Governor Sam Brownback. The final version of the bill would place all juveniles aged 16 to 18 who were charged as adults into adult prisons. It would also require courts to assess juveniles to determine whether they should be incarcerated or receive alternative punishments. Democratic Representative Boog Highberger of Lawrence said federal law prohibits placing juveniles in prisons occupied by adults.
