MA H1618

Adds murder to the list of offenses for which juveniles under age 18 can be tried, giving prosecutors discretion to proceed in juvenile court or by indictment in adult court

Establishes sentencing for murder committed by juveniles under age 14: first-degree murder carries 20 years with parole eligibility after 15 years; second-degree murder carries 15 years with parole eligibility after 10 years

Sets a minimum 35-year term before parole eligibility for first-degree murder convictions where the defendant has been designated as parole-eligible under existing law

Sponsored by Representative Tackey Chan with support from eight members of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association, filed January 17, 2025