An Act to expand juvenile court justice access

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Francisco Paulino

Massachusetts expands juvenile court capacity from 42 to 80 justices, with a formal assignment plan, training, funding, and annual reporting to improve youth access and outcomes.

Hearing rescheduled to 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time

Bill Summary: H. 1929 – An Act to expand juvenile court justice access

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to expand access to juvenile court justice in Massachusetts by increasing the number of Juvenile Court Department justices and creating a structured plan for their assignment, training, and infrastructure support.

It envisions addressing population growth and changing youth demographics by significantly expanding the judiciary dedicated to juvenile matters.

Key provisions

Section 1 – County-by-county judicial totals (Chapter 218, §58):
Increases the total number of Juvenile Court Department justices from 42 to 80. Revised allocations by county are:

Suffolk: 10
Middlesex: 10
Worcester: 8
Franklin and Hampshire: 3
Bristol: 6
Essex: 8
Norfolk: 5
Plymouth: 6
Barnstable County and the Town of Plymouth: 3
Berkshire and Hampden: 5

Section 2 – Assignment and distribution plan:
The Chief Justice of the Juvenile Court Department, with the Trial Court Chief Justice, must develop a detailed assignment plan. Key elements include:

Caseload analysis and projected needs
Demographic factors and youth trends
Equitable resource allocation across counties
Periodic reviews and adjustments
A comprehensive plan due to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means within 90 days of enactment

Section 3 – Implementation and training:

Governor to prioritize appointment of qualified judges to the newly created positions
Mandatory training for new justices on juvenile justice, trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and relevant law
Funding for support staff (clerks, probation officers, court-appointed advocates)
Facilities assessment to ensure infrastructure can accommodate the expanded judiciary

Section 4 – Funding:
Appropriate funds for judicial salaries, staff, training programs, and infrastructure to support timely implementation

Section 5 – Effective date:
Takes effect January 1, 2027, or upon passage if later. Preparatory steps begin immediately upon passage

Section 6 – Reporting and accountability:
Annual impact reports by the Chief Justice, including metrics on case resolution times and access to justice; first report due by December 31, 2027

Geographic and operational impact

A substantial expansion of juvenile court capacity (from 42 to 80 justices) across multiple counties, with a specified distribution to address regional needs.

Emphasizes trauma-informed and restorative approaches, supported by training and dedicated staff.

Procedural timeline and status

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Referred to the Judiciary; Senate concurrence noted in initial actions

Hearing rescheduled to November 4, 2025 (with updated end times)

Related: House Docket No. 398 (HD 398)

Who would be affected

Juvenile Court Department and Trial Court operations

Youth and families interacting with juvenile courts

Judges, clerks, probation officers, advocates, and other court personnel

State and county budgets, due to expanded staffing and infrastructure needs

This bill, if enacted, would represent a major expansion of juvenile justice capacity and emphasize structured planning, training, and accountability to improve access and outcomes for youth across Massachusetts.