A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT DIRECTING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY FERRY TOLLS AND JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORMS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission shall study the topics listed below and report its findings, together with any recommended legislation, to the 2013 Regular Session of the 2013 General Assembly upon its convening:
(1)	The Legislative Research Commission shall study the economic impact of ferry tolls, if any, on business, travel, and tourism in the coastal areas of the State. In its study the Commission shall consider the types of traffic that use the ferry, including the following: business commuter traffic; island to mainland traffic; county courthouse traffic for each of the coastal counties served by the ferry; school bus traffic; emergency vehicle traffic; and county vehicle traffic. The Commission may also consider any other issues relevant to this study.
(2)	The Legislative Research Commission shall study North Carolina's current juvenile justice system and identify reforms that may reduce long‑term recidivism. In conducting its study, the Commission shall do all of the following:
a.	Determine what juvenile justice reforms are needed to implement the proposal in Senate Bill 434, Edition 3, for raising the age for misdemeanors.
b.	Study evidence‑based models for reducing juvenile recidivism, such as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, including models to reduce inappropriate or unnecessary use of secured detention.
c.	Study how best to reserve secure facilities for the most troubled youth. This shall include assessing the recidivism rates and costs and benefits of alternatives to placement programs in the juvenile justice system, such as electronic monitoring.
d.	Consider best practices among community‑based programs, such as the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council System, that utilize evidence‑based programs to reduce youth recidivism.
e.	Determine how to prepare local prisons for implementation of Department of Justice regulations related to the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, P.L. 108‑79, including ensuring that all youth under the age of 18 are held separately from adults.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.