Massachusetts Senate Votes to Raise the Age of Juvenile
Jurisdiction to Include 18-Year-Olds
Initiative backed by Boston Celtics and criminal justice reform advocates adopted in economic development bill
(BOSTON—7/11/2024) Today the Massachusetts Senate voted to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to include residents who are 18-years-old.
The initiative, known as “Raise the Age” by advocates, is proven to decrease crime and improve public safety by allowing emerging adults who are 18 years old—the typical age of a senior in high school—to be tried as juveniles instead of adults for certain crimes.
The initiative would divert juvenile offenders into rehabilitative programming, which is proven to lower recidivism and re-conviction.
The amendment would not change existing law that allows 18-year-olds charged with the most serious offenses to be prosecuted and sentenced as adults for the most serious crimes, including first- or second-degree murder. Similarly, a juvenile 18 or younger could be charged as an adult for any felony if the juvenile had been previously committed in the Department of Youth Services (DYS), if the juvenile committed an offense that involves serious bodily harm, or if the juvenile violated certain firearm laws.
The Boston Celtics have made the initiative a priority this season. In January, Jaylen Brown and Celtics team leadership shared their support with legislative leaders and held a press conference in the Senate Reading Room.
“We will never achieve racial equity in Massachusetts without addressing the systemic biases in our systems, including our criminal legal system—and giving our children a fair shot at life from birth onward,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By raising the age today, I am proud that the Senate is making the Commonwealth a fairer place for young people who should not be judged for their whole life by a mistake they made as an 18-year-old. I am grateful for the work of Majority Leader Creem, Senator Crighton, advocates who have spoken out, and my colleagues for their support.”
"As the former Senate Chair of the Joint Task Force on Emerging Adults in the Massachusetts Criminal Justice System, I heard from stakeholders across the juvenile and criminal justice systems about the countless public safety benefits of raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction," said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). "Including 18-year-olds in the juvenile system will help ensure all high-schoolers have access to the high-quality rehabilitative programming available through the Department of Youth Services, which will help reduce recidivism and have a long-term positive impact on public safety."
“Raising the age one year to include 18-year-olds will lead to better outcomes not just for youth, but entire communities,” said Senator Brendan Crighton, Chair of the Senate Committee on Juvenile and Emerging Adult Justice. “Expanding access to the programming and support available within the juvenile court system will still hold adolescents accountable while encouraging more productive pathways to future economic and educational opportunities. Thank you to the Senate President for being a long-time leader on this issue and for including this amendment as part of this strong economic development bill.”
Adopted as an amendment to the Senate’s economic development bond bill, the measure would expand the lifetime economic opportunity of young people to join the workforce and contribute to the state’s economy. Young people with adult criminal records can face significant barriers to joining the workforce, pursuing higher education and securing housing.
Having been approved by a roll call vote of 31-9, the amendment will be included in S.2856. A final vote on the bill is expected to take place on Thursday in the Senate.
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