Bill > H1393

This bill, relative to juvenile restitution, proposes to amend Chapter 119 of the General Laws by inserting a new section that authorizes courts to establish a system for juvenile restitution, meaning that young offenders would be required to compensate victims for damages or losses caused by their actions. The court would be empowered to order juveniles to repair, replace, or otherwise make restitution for harm done, and could also impose small fines. This restitution would be a mandatory condition for a juvenile's release, placement in a program, or parole. In situations deemed appropriate by the court, juveniles might be ordered to make financial payments directly to the court, which would then be forwarded to the victim. To ensure these payments are collected, the court would have the authority to issue necessary orders, such as garnishments (deducting money from wages or other income), wage withholdings, and executions (legal orders to seize property to satisfy a debt).