Bill > H1211

This bill establishes a dedicated "Youth Court Fund" to support youth court programs, which are administrative forums for first-time juvenile offenders of minor crimes where similarly aged volunteers recommend sanctions. This fund will be financed by a portion of proceeds collected under a new provision in Chapter 280 of the general laws, specifically a mandatory $5 assessment imposed on individuals who plead guilty, are convicted, or pay a fine or civil penalty for certain traffic violations or other offenses. These collected funds will be administered by the secretary of public safety and security, who will use them to provide grants to youth court programs, prioritizing those recommended by district attorneys and those that have utilized other grant programs. Any funds collected above $2,000,000 annually will go to the general fund. Youth courts receiving these grants must submit annual reports detailing their finances to the secretary and the relevant courts.