Bill > S759

This bill aims to establish civil infractions for certain juvenile offenses instead of criminal delinquency findings. Specifically, it: 1. Allows a civil penalty of up to $500 for certain motor vehicle violations by juveniles, instead of a delinquency finding. 2. Allows a civil penalty of up to $500 for juveniles who violate the law prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone or electronic device, instead of a delinquency finding. 3. Revises the definition of "delinquent child" to exclude civil infractions, municipal ordinance/by-law violations, and certain misdemeanors punishable by a fine or short jail sentence. 4. Defines "civil infraction" as a violation where the court cannot impose incarceration or appoint counsel, and can only impose a civil penalty. 5. Allows a civil penalty of up to $150 for juveniles who violate the law prohibiting the possession or purchase of tobacco products, instead of a delinquency finding. 6. Removes a reference to the juvenile delinquency law in a provision related to criminal records. The overall intent is to avoid criminal delinquency findings for certain juvenile offenses and instead impose civil penalties, in order to minimize the long-term consequences of a criminal record for young offenders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S759