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H 1792

An Act relative to juvenile restitution

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 3 co-sponsors

Requires courts to ensure juvenile restitution to victims, tying payments to release/placement/parole, with direct court payments and enforcement tools (garnishments).

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 1792

Summary: H.1792 — An Act relative to juvenile restitution

Overview

H.1792, introduced February 27, 2025, proposes a new provision to Chapter 119 of the General Laws to strengthen and standardize restitution requirements for juveniles. The bill would mandate courts to actively ensure restitution is made to victims and to tie restitution to the juvenile’s release, placement, or parole. A hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025 (A-2).

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure that victims of juvenile offenses are compensated for damage or losses caused by a juvenile’s wrongful act.
  • To give the juvenile court explicit authority to require restitution as part of the juvenile’s probationary status, release, or placement decisions.
  • To provide courts with mechanisms to collect restitution, including direct payments to the court and enforcement tools.

Key provisions

  • New Section 62A added to Chapter 119:
    • The court shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure restitution is made to the victim.
    • The juvenile must repair, replace, or otherwise make restitution for damage or loss caused by the wrongful act.
    • The court may impose fines in limited amounts.
    • Restitution shall be a condition of release, placement, or parole by the juvenile court.
    • If appropriate, the court may require the juvenile to pay restitution directly to the court; payments are then forwarded to the victim.
    • The court may issue and use collection tools as necessary, including garnishments, wage withholdings, and executions.

Who would be affected

  • Juvenile offenders within the Massachusetts juvenile justice system (subjects of court-ordered restitution).
  • Victims of juvenile offenses, who would receive restitution.
  • Courts and court administrators handling juvenile cases (primarily the Juvenile Court).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025.
  • Related: Similar matter previously filed as House Bill 1587 (2023-2024).
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for June 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.

Impact and considerations

  • Aims to clarify and strengthen restitution obligations and enforcement for juvenile cases.
  • Potentially increases compliance with restitution through court-ordered payments and enforcement tools.
  • Could impose additional administrative duties on the judiciary to manage restitution orders and collections.
  • The bill does not specify funding or cost Implications; it focuses on authority and processes for ensuring restitution.

Related legislation

  • HD 1351 (the filed version replacing or superseding prior efforts).
  • Similar matter previously filed: House Bill 1587 (2023-2024).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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