S1087
An Act to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults
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 Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill 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.
- Potentially reduces the number of individuals serving life without parole.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
James B. Eldridge
Cosponsors
Christopher J. Worrell
James B. Eldridge
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 S.1087 194th (Current)
An Act to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1087) of James B. Eldridge, Brandy Fluker-Reid, Christopher J. Worrell, Joanne M. Comerford and others for legislation to abolish sentences of life without parole for individuals who committed crimes while they were considered minors or young adults. The Judiciary.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: James B. Eldridge Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.1087
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 11/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/18/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 1/29/2026 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.1618 194th (Current)
An Act relative to violent crimes
H.1658 194th (Current)
An Act to enhance fairness and increase positive outcomes for children
H.1660 194th (Current)
An Act relative to juvenile fines, fees, and restitution
H.1695 194th (Current)
An Act promoting diversion of juveniles to community supervision and services
S.1121 194th (Current)
An Act updating bail procedures for justice-involved youth
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.