HD 5662 requires the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association to submit an annual report detailing criminal prosecution data for calendar year 2025. The report must include specific categories: juvenile cases, adult cases, appeals, and cases reviewed. This procedural bill directly affects the District Attorneys Association, mandating they compile and submit this workload data. It does not change laws or policies, but establishes a reporting requirement for transparency. The bill was placed on file in February 2026 and has no further action noted.
By Representative Paulino of Methuen, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1929) of Francisco E. Paulino for legislation to increase the assignment, distribution and training of justices in the juvenile court. The Judiciary.
By Representative Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by resolve, House, No. 2017) of Chynah Tyler for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to gender responsive programming for juvenile justice system involved girls. The Judiciary.
By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1852) of Jay D. Livingstone and Joanne M. Comerford relative to adults with disabilities in family and juvenile court proceedings. The Judiciary.
By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1035) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation relative to increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings. The Judiciary.
This Massachusetts bill (H 4515) expands access to community-based juvenile diversion programs by removing automatic disqualification for youth referred to juvenile court. It protects statements made during assessments from being used against youth in court and requires courts to dismiss original complaints unless a report recommends otherwise. Diversion remains unavailable for serious offenses like those with minimum prison sentences or specific violent charges. The law directly affects youth in juvenile court and aims to reduce court involvement for less severe cases while maintaining legal pathways for serious crimes.
This bill (H 4417) modifies the membership structure of Massachusetts' Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board. It increases the board size from 21 to 23 members and adds a specific role for the executive director of the Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth (or a designee). The bill also revises membership requirements to include three individuals with direct juvenile justice experience: two parents whose children were in juvenile court and one adult who was subject to juvenile court as a child, all selected from specified advocacy organizations. These changes directly affect who serves on the board, aiming to incorporate broader lived experience and specialized perspectives into juvenile justice policy decisions.
This bill requires courts to ensure juvenile offenders make restitution to victims of their crimes. It mandates that courts order juveniles to repair, replace, or pay for damage caused by their actions, and makes restitution a condition for release, placement, or parole. Courts may also collect restitution directly through limited fines, wage withholdings, or other court-approved collection methods, with payments then given to the victim. The law directly affects juvenile offenders and crime victims in Massachusetts.
This bill (SD 1483) allows juvenile offenders in Massachusetts to receive credit toward their sentence for time spent in secure detention or on electronic monitoring before trial. It requires the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to prepare pre-adjudication reports for courts, detailing a youth's pre-trial detention time, participation in DYS programs, and positive behavior - excluding negative details. The bill also mandates that DYS include in internal evaluations the youth's pre-trial detention time, program participation, and conduct, and informs juveniles that this pre-trial behavior will be considered during sentencing. These changes directly affect juvenile offenders in the state's justice system and aim to incorporate pre-trial conduct into sentencing decisions.
HD 1556 updates the membership structure of Massachusetts' juvenile justice policy and data board. The bill increases the board size from 21 to 23 members and adds specific representation requirements. It mandates one seat for the executive director of the Commission on LGBTQQ Youth and requires three seats for individuals with direct juvenile justice experience: at least one parent of a child in juvenile court, one adult formerly in juvenile court, and others sourced from The Transformation Center and Parent/Professional Advocacy League. These changes aim to broaden the board's perspective by including more directly impacted community voices and specialized expertise.
