The North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 725, the Young Offenders Rehabilitation Act. This bill would classify 16 and 17-year-olds as juveniles when charged with misdemeanors. The bill passed with an exception if the crime was related to gang activity. North Carolina is currently one of two states that prosecute 16 and 17-year-olds as adults when charged with misdemeanors. The bill will now be considered by the Senate.