MA S1035

Juvenile court hearings would change from closed to open to the general public by default, with public and news media granted access to courtrooms, lobbies, waiting areas, and other common areas

Judges may exclude individuals from courtrooms only after making written or oral findings by clear and convincing evidence, based on factors such as disruption, party objections, privacy interests, protection of children from harm, or unavailability of less restrictive alternatives

Publishing names of any child or youth in care and protection proceedings, delinquency cases, or youthful offender cases remains prohibited

Audio-visual coverage of juvenile court proceedings would be governed by rules from the Supreme Judicial Court and the chief justice of the juvenile court

Judges retain authority to restrict access to clinical and investigative reports and to establish rules ensuring public access comports with courthouse security and safety needs