The state House is still debating a new juvenile crime bill aimed at curbing high profile car thefts.

Concern is continuing to grow over youth repeat offenders stealing cars from Connecticut suburbs.

The bill allows judges to order GPS monitoring for repeat offenders, and car theft charges would be based on how many offenses you have, instead of the value of the car.

GOP lawmakers say while they'll take the crime bill they can get, they were hoping for stiffer penalties.

Youth justice advocates oppose the proposed law.

Director of Connecticut Justice Alliance Christina Quaranta says longer sentences don't actually deter young people from re-offending, it just causes more damage.

"Kids that spend more time away from home and family contacts, they're exposed to more violence, suffer more abuse," said Quaranta.

About $2 million has also been set aside for youth incarceration. Gov. Ned Lamont says mental health and social services have to be part of the solution.

"Working with the mental health professionals we can find the right response for each and every one of those kids. I'm not looking to put kids in adult prisons," said Lamont.

The bill also allows police to hold youth suspects for up to eight hours instead of up to six if they're unable to find a parent or guardian.