The Argentine government is making strides to pass a new juvenile criminal system that will lower the age of penal responsibility from 16 to 14. This week, they are optimistic about reaching a preliminary agreement in the Chamber of Deputies, especially with recent support from governors who have been consulted on the matter. While there is confidence about securing the votes needed, party officials are cautiously keeping the exact numbers of support under wraps to avoid putting pressure on legislators.

On Tuesday, two essential committees are set to be formed—Family and Justice—which will then convene with Budget and Criminal Affairs. Their goal is to finalize the text to be voted on Thursday. Although the government initially proposed an age of 13 for criminal responsibility, it has adjusted the proposal to 14 in response to feedback from various stakeholders. This shift is expected to address concerns about how juvenile offenders are treated under the law, striking a balance between accountability and potential rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the government plans to include a significant provision regarding funding for the system in the provinces. This provision emphasizes that after the national law is approved, provincial jurisdictions will need to adapt their own legal frameworks to align with the new regulations. The aim is to create a cohesive approach across Argentina, ensuring that the legislation not only establishes a lower age of responsibility but also provides adequate resources for its implementation in different jurisdictions, thereby maintaining public safety while reforming youth justice.