A Miami-Dade County Republican filed a proposal Friday that could lead to more juveniles receiving civil citations for misdemeanor crimes, rather than getting arrested.

The bill (SB 378), filed by Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, would eliminate part of state law that says civil citations or similar diversion programs are only available to first-time misdemeanor offenders.

Under the bill, civil-citation and diversion programs would not be limited to "first-time offenses and may be used in a second or subsequent offense.

In exceptional situations, a local law enforcement officer may arrest a juvenile for a first-time misdemeanor if he or she provides written documentation as to why an arrest was warranted to protect public safety."

The bill also would allow officers the choice of issuing a simple warning or informing a child's parent or guardian about a misdemeanor offense.