Bill > H1461

This bill aims to reform the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts by eliminating fees, fines, and restitution orders for offenses committed while under the age of criminal majority (18 years old). Key provisions include: 1. Eliminating the requirement for parents/guardians to pay fines for a child's willful or malicious property destruction. 2. Limiting restitution orders to a youth's ability to pay, and prohibiting the extension or revocation of probation solely for nonpayment. 3. Prohibiting any fines or fees from being applied to individuals for offenses committed while under the age of criminal majority. 4. Eliminating the possibility of imprisonment solely for nonpayment of money-based obligations stemming from offenses committed as a juvenile. 5. Waiving any fees for the appointment of counsel for those accused of offenses as a juvenile. 6. Ensuring victims of crimes committed by juveniles are still eligible for compensation, while preventing offenders or accomplices from receiving such compensation. Overall, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on youth in the juvenile justice system and remove the threat of incarceration for nonpayment of court-ordered financial obligations.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1461