Bill > S1131

This bill aims to reform how juvenile fees, fines, and restitution are handled in Massachusetts by eliminating financial penalties for individuals who committed offenses while under the age of criminal majority. Specifically, the bill prohibits imposing fines, fees, or restitution on juveniles or their parents/guardians for offenses committed before reaching the legal age of adulthood. The legislation makes several key changes across multiple chapters of Massachusetts law, including removing mandatory restitution requirements, preventing warrant issuance solely for nonpayment of juvenile-related fees, and eliminating court assessments for juveniles. The bill introduces a presumption of inability to pay for juveniles and provides courts with discretion to modify or eliminate restitution orders based on a youth's financial circumstances. Additionally, the bill ensures that juveniles cannot be committed to prison or confined solely for nonpayment of money related to offenses committed while they were underage. The term "age of criminal majority" is used throughout the bill to define the threshold for these protections, effectively shielding young offenders from ongoing financial burdens that could impede their rehabilitation and future opportunities.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1131