A Senate proposal aimed at keeping young offenders out of the criminal justice system got off to a rocky, but successful, start, passing its first committee despite concerns from some Republicans and law-enforcement officials.
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved the measure (SB 196) on a 5-2 vote, with Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, and Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, opposed. But even some of the lawmakers who supported bill, offered by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, said they were uncomfortable with some provisions.
