Bill > H1869

This bill amends Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 274 by adding a new section that significantly increases penalties for adults who solicit, encourage, or assist juveniles under 18 in committing serious violent crimes. Specifically, the bill establishes two primary offenses: first, if an adult solicits or encourages a juvenile to commit murder or armed assault, and the juvenile actually commits or attempts the crime, the adult can be sentenced to life in prison or at least 20 years, with no possibility of reduced sentencing, probation, parole, work release, or good conduct deductions. Second, if an adult provides a firearm or dangerous weapon to a juvenile with the intent that the juvenile commit murder or armed assault, they can be sentenced to life in prison or at least 10 years, with similar strict sentencing restrictions. The bill defines "Armed Assault on another Person" by referencing specific sections of Massachusetts law (M.G.L. C. 265 § 14, 18A, 18) and defines "Murder" as a violation of M.G.L. C. 265 § 1. The legislation aims to deter adults from exploiting or manipulating minors into committing violent crimes by imposing severe and inflexible criminal penalties.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1869