Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 1242: An Act relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1242) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders, promoting rehabilitation-focused sentencing reform to reduce recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1683: An Act reforming juvenile offender law

This bill raises the age limit for certain juvenile court proceedings from 18 to 19 years old. It specifically affects juveniles aged 16-19 convicted of first or second-degree murder under Chapter 265, requiring courts to consider their maturity and rehabilitation for parole eligibility after serving minimum sentences (15 years for second-degree murder). The bill mandates separate housing in youthful offender units for under-18 inmates, prohibits limiting access to rehabilitation programs (like education or vocational training), and establishes new procedures for evaluating a juvenile's legal competence to stand trial. These changes apply to all murder cases involving juveniles under 19.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRaises juvenile court age limit, mandates rehabilitation consideration for parole, and prohibits restricting rehab access - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4105: An Act relative to juvenile fines, fees, and restitution

This bill eliminates fines, fees, and restitution requirements for juveniles (under the age of criminal majority) and their parents/guardians related to court proceedings. Key provisions include: banning all fines/fees for offenses committed while under criminal majority (Section 5), requiring courts to assess a youth’s ability to pay before ordering restitution (Section 7), prohibiting jail time for nonpayment of juvenile-related fines (Section 9), and removing specific fees like the $45 assessment for minors (Sections 13-16). It directly affects minors and their families in juvenile court cases involving property damage, delinquency, or restitution. The law ensures financial penalties cannot be imposed based on a youth’s inability to pay, with strict limits on restitution amounts and terms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEliminates juvenile fines/fees, prohibits jail for nonpayment, aligns with reform goals to reduce recidivism and protect youth rights in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Victims' Rights

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2413: An Act to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1087) of James B. Eldridge, Brandy Fluker-Reid, Christopher J. Worrell, Joanne M. Comerford and others for legislation to abolish sentences of life without parole for individuals who committed crimes while they were considered minors or young adults. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill abolishes life without parole for minors/emerging adults, advancing criminal justice reform by protecting youth rights and reducing harsh sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1907: An Act relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1058) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to expunge juvenile and young adult records. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpungement of juvenile and young adult records reduces barriers to reintegration, aligns with criminal justice reform goals, and lowers recidivism by removing past records.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1790: An Act updating the juvenile justice policy and data board

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 116) of Sal N. DiDomenico and James B. Eldridge for legislation to update the juvenile justice policy and data board. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeUpdates juvenile justice policy/data board, aligning with reform goals like evidence-based practices and improved oversight within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 20, 2025

S 1240: An Act promoting fairness in youthful offender indictments

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1240) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to promote fairness in youthful offender indictments by raising the minimum age of a youthful offender from 14 to 16. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRaises minimum youthful offender age from 14 to 16, reducing adult prosecution for minors and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation and fairness in sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1051: An Act promoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and services

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1051) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation relative to judicial supervision to promote child well-being. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes juvenile diversion to community services, reducing incarceration and aligning with reform goals like rehabilitation and reduced recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1923: An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for youth

By Representatives O'Day of West Boylston and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1923) of James J. O'Day, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to the age of criminal majority. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill addresses age of criminal majority to promote youth outcomes, aligning with reform indicators like reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation pathways for young offenders.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2691: An Act relative to pre-adjudication credit for juvenile offenders

This bill (HD 2691) allows juvenile offenders in Massachusetts to receive credit toward their sentence for time spent in secure detention or on electronic monitoring *before* their trial. It directly affects youth in the juvenile justice system who are held awaiting adjudication. Key provisions require courts to count this pre-trial time when sentencing and mandate the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to provide courts with reports detailing the youth's pre-trial detention duration, participation in programs, and behavior. These reports must include only positive information that could influence sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides pre-trial credit for juvenile detention time, reducing unnecessary incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve fairness and rehabilitation for youth.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Sentencing

Track