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No Action On Emily's Law

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An attempt to lower the age to 10 at which juveniles may be certified as adults for serious crimes has been laid over for future consideration.

The bill, called Emily's Law, was before the House Public Safety Committee Thursday.

Rep. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lakea, is the author. He said they want to give prosecutors the option of trying younger juveniles as adults for the most serious and violent crimes.

"We're not talking about somebody vandalizing a car, or some graffiti," Westrom said. "We're talking violent felony acts, such as murder."

Right now, juveniles can be tried as adults only if they are 14 years of age or older.

The law is named for Emily Johnson, a 2-year old from Fergus Falls who was sexually assaulted and murdered by the 13-year-old son of her daycare provider. The is the fifth time the bill, in some form, has been introduced at the Minnesota Legislature.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Adam Carter Interviews Westrom

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