An Act to expand juvenile court justice access

HD 398 increases the total number of juvenile court justices in Massachusetts from 42 to 80, with specific new allocations for each county (e.g., Suffolk County gets 10 justices, Worcester gets 8). The bill requires the Chief Justice to develop a plan for assigning justices based on caseloads, demographics, and equitable need, including periodic reviews. It mandates funding for judicial appointments, trauma-informed training for new justices, and support staff, with implementation beginning immediately and full operation by January 1, 2027. This directly affects youth and families navigating the juvenile justice system across all 14 counties by expanding court capacity and access to services.