MA H1929

Increases the total number of justices in the Massachusetts Juvenile Court Department from 42 to 80, with allocations by county including 10 each for Suffolk and Middlesex, 8 each for Worcester and Essex, and smaller numbers for other counties

Requires the Chief Justice of the Juvenile Court to develop an assignment plan within 90 days of enactment, based on caseload analysis, demographic considerations, and equitable allocation among counties

Mandates comprehensive training for newly appointed justices on juvenile justice topics including trauma-informed practices and restorative justice approaches

Requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to assess court facilities to ensure physical infrastructure can accommodate the expanded judiciary

Takes effect January 1, 2027, with annual reporting to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on case resolution times and access to justice beginning December 31, 2027