17-year-olds in Michigan can't vote or buy tobacco products but they can currently be tried and sentenced as adults.
But proposed legislation, being discussed today would raise the age for juvenile court jurisdiction to 18-years-old.
Supporters of the legislation say 17-year-olds are still developing and more inclined to risky and impulsive behaviors.
They say the offenders could access age-appropriate rehabilitative services in the juvenile system aimed at helping them turn their lives around.
A similiar bill package failed in the state legislature back in 2016.
At the time, there were concerns from county officials and prosecutors over questions on where to house 17-year-olds at the time of arrest.
A house committee is hearing testimony on the issue today.
