To promote public safety and better outcomes for young adults
Impact
The implications of this legislation are significant, as it aims to reduce the negative impacts of adult incarceration on young individuals and instead provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation. Proponents argue that young adults still have a considerable potential for change and better outcomes in age-appropriate settings. The bill is anticipated to alleviate some of the strains on the juvenile justice system by extending the protections and considerations afforded to juvenile offenders for a longer period.
Summary
S942, titled 'An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for young adults', seeks to amend various laws relating to the age of criminal majority and juvenile justice in Massachusetts. The bill redefines the age at which an individual is considered a juvenile or youthful offender, proposing to raise the age of criminal majority from 18 to 21. This is aimed at providing better outcomes for young adults by ensuring they are treated as juveniles in the justice system until they reach this new age threshold, rather than facing immediate adult penalties upon turning 18.
Contention
Notably, the bill has sparked discussions about the balance between public safety and the reform of juvenile justice policies. Critics point out that raising the age of criminal responsibility could lead to longer periods of delinquency without adequate consequence and question the overall efficiency of the juvenile system to handle a larger cohort of offenders. There are also concerns regarding resources; whether the state is equipped to support the extended age range while managing existing juvenile rehabilitation programs effectively remains a contested point.
Replaced by
Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on the Judiciary to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to judicial matters.