An Act to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill seeks to eliminate the practice of assigning life without parole sentences to individuals convicted of crimes while they were minors or young adults in Massachusetts. It aims to align the state’s sentencing practices with broader efforts to address juvenile justice reform and reduce the long-term impact of such severe penalties. The bill reflects a growing movement to consider the developmental stage of offenders and explore alternative sentencing options. It would change the current system regarding parole eligibility for this specific group of offenders.
Key provisions
- Abolishes lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults convicted of crimes.
- Specifically addresses individuals who were under the age of 25 at the time of the offense.
- Seeks to ensure that individuals who demonstrate rehabilitation have an opportunity for parole.
- The bill is referred to the Senate Committee on The Judiciary and then the Senate Ways and Means committee.
- The bill was heard by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on November 18, 2025.
Who is affected
- Juveniles who commit crimes
- Young adults who commit crimes
- Individuals sentenced to life without parole
- The Massachusetts criminal justice system
- Families of juvenile offenders
Notable changes
- Represents a shift in sentencing philosophy for young offenders.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
10 on record
Primary sponsor
James B. Eldridge
Cosponsors
Christopher J. Worrell
James B. Eldridge
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