H1867

Relative to emerging adult life sentences for first-degree murder

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Establishes minimum sentence terms for first-degree murder committed by emerging adults aged 18-20 in Massachusetts.

This bill amends Massachusetts law to set minimum sentence terms for first-degree murder committed by individuals aged 18 to 20. For such cases, the court must set a minimum term of 30 to 60 years. For cases involving extreme atrocity or cruelty, the minimum term is 40 to 60 years. For cases with deliberately premeditated malice, the minimum term is 35 to 60 years. This applies to sentences of life imprisonment for first-degree murder committed by persons on or after their eighteenth birthday and before their twenty-first birthday.

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  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Nov 18, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

Nov 18, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Nov 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

Nov 18, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order