H 1756 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act reforming juvenile offender law

This bill raises the age limit for certain juvenile court proceedings from 18 to 19 years old. It specifically affects juveniles aged 16-19 convicted of first or second-degree murder under Chapter 265, requiring courts to consider their maturity and rehabilitation for parole eligibility after serving minimum sentences (15 years for second-degree murder). The bill mandates separate housing in youthful offender units for under-18 inmates, prohibits limiting access to rehabilitation programs (like education or vocational training), and establishes new procedures for evaluating a juvenile's legal competence to stand trial. These changes apply to all murder cases involving juveniles under 19.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
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
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Russell Holmes
Russell Holmes
DDemocratic
MA
6th Suffolk