MA S1121

Amends Section 67 of Chapter 119 of Massachusetts General Laws to update bail procedures for arrested youth ages 12-18 when courts are not in session

Requires officers to immediately notify at least one parent, guardian, custodian, or the Department of Children and Families when a child is arrested

Mandates immediate notification of a bail magistrate for youth ages 14-18, who must then inquire into the case

Allows bail magistrates or officers in charge to accept a written promise from a parent, guardian, custodian, or DCF representative to ensure the child's court appearance, enabling release without cash bail

Permits detention in police stations, town lockups, or Department of Youth Services facilities only when: a warrant specifically directs safekeeping, the offense is non-bailable, or the youth cannot furnish required sureties