H1689
An Act clarifying the child advocate’s authority to access juvenile records
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to clarify the authority of the child advocate in Massachusetts to access records related to juvenile cases. Currently, the scope of this access may be unclear, and this legislation seeks to provide more specific guidance on what records the child advocate can review. The goal is to ensure the child advocate has the necessary information to effectively represent the best interests of children involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill will likely result in clearer procedures for accessing these records.
Key provisions
- Defines the types of juvenile records the child advocate can access.
- Clarifies the process for requesting access to these records.
- Ensures the child advocate’s access aligns with the child’s best interests.
- Addresses potential limitations on access to protect privacy.
- Specifies the legal basis for the child advocate’s access authority.
Who is affected
- Child Advocates in Massachusetts
- Juvenile Court Judges
- Children involved in the juvenile justice system
- Parents of children involved in the juvenile justice system
- The Massachusetts Judicial Branch
Notable changes
- Provides greater clarity regarding the scope of the child advocate’s access to juvenile records.
- May streamline the process for requesting and obtaining access to these records.
- Could strengthen the child advocate’s ability to represent the interests of children in juvenile proceedings.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Michael J. Finn
Cosponsor
Michael J. Finn
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.1689 194th (Current)
An Act clarifying the child advocate’s authority to access juvenile records
By Representative Finn of West Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1689) of Michael J. Finn relative to clarifying the child advocate’s authority to access juvenile records. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Michael J. Finn
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1689
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/5/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
Similar Bills
H.1486 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act clarifying the child advocate’s authority to access juvenile records
S.1123 194th (Current)
An Act clarifying the child advocate’s authority to access juvenile records
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.