Bill proposed to prevent prosecution of children under 13

A Utah lawmaker is proposing a bill that would prevent the prosecution of any child under 13-years old for all but the most serious crimes.

The bill introduced in the Utah House yesterday would establish a minimum age for trials in Utah.

Children under 13 could not be held in jail or prosecuting for any charge other than aggravated sexual assault, robbery or murder.

The sponsor said the state would be better served by educating and helping children become good members of society rather than trying to send them to jail.