Advocating for the Youth: Inside a Recently Passed Nelson Bill

By: Kaden Bossenbroek

Since November, Nelson Assembly delegate Claire Therkildsen has been spending her junior year writing her very first Legislative bill. As a first-year delegate she jumped the gun on making a difference and presented her bill early on Friday. Claire held her bill close to her and spoke from the heart during her presentation. “An Act to reduce youth convictions among youth and young adults ages 14 to 25” was written after Claire’s experience in a minor collision. She had just gotten her license and was a terrified new driver. Before the parking lot collision, Claire never got in trouble. She worked hard and was an extremely safe driver. After the collision, Claire’s eyes were opened to the many vehicle-related accidents teenagers and young adults see daily. Referencing the Wisconsin OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) rates, Claire encountered story after story of youth being sentenced to upwards of 20 years in jail and prison. Claire chose to advocate for her peers, and published bill 213 to present to the Nelson assembly. 

Claire’s bill presents the idea of new boards of professionals and volunteer advocates to sit in hearings of first-time offenders and allow the right to appeal. The Review Board is to consist of a mental health professional, a juvenile justice expert in law, a department of corrections representative, a former offender, and a current or retired judge. This Review Board will determine the wellness, accountability, and counseling needs for youth offenders to allow alternative options for offenders by entry in rehabilitation and mental health placement, or restorative justice. 

Claire’s sense of justice and determination to stand up for her peers brought a whirl of discussion to the Nelson assembly floor. A hot topic for discussion was financing. Claire’s thought out planning and ideas for change were focused and detailed, but still left room for questions. A brand new board for legal review isn’t cheap, especially partnered with new rehabilitation programs and placement. Delegates questioned the reality of a simple 2 percent increase of alcoholic beverage sales providing the funding needed for reentry and placement programs for youth. Claire was able to easily address the adjustment periods in writing, allowing legislature adjustments. 

Overall, Claire’s dedication to the writing and research of her bill paid off, passing through the Nelson assembly. Claire is soon to present to Harvery and the Senate, finding new ideas for pro and con debate. Good luck Claire!