Bill > H1665

This bill amends various provisions of Massachusetts law related to juvenile offenders. Key changes include: 1. Raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 18 to 19 years old. 2. Requiring the Superior Court to give juvenile offenders convicted of first or second-degree murder a meaningful opportunity for parole based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation. 3. Establishing procedures for evaluating and determining a juvenile's competency to stand trial, including presumptions, burdens of proof, and timelines for restoration of competency or dismissal of charges. 4. Requiring the Parole Board to grant parole permits to juvenile offenders at their first parole eligibility unless there is clear and convincing evidence they will reoffend, and to give substantial weight to the juvenile's diminished culpability and demonstrated rehabilitation. Overall, the bill aims to reform the juvenile justice system by providing more protections and opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for young offenders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1665