H 1461 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to juvenile fees, fines, and restitution

This bill modifies Massachusetts laws regarding juvenile justice to eliminate fees and fines for minors and restrict how restitution is applied. It removes the ability to charge parents or guardians for court appearance fees related to property destruction and prohibits issuing arrest warrants solely for nonpayment of fines. Additionally, the legislation mandates that any restitution ordered must be based on a youth's ability to pay, prevents probation extensions from being used as punishment for nonpayment, and establishes a presumption that a minor cannot pay if they rely on government assistance or have low income.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 22, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Apr 1, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors