Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits access to juvenile diversion programs under certain circumstances.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a child from being eligible for juvenile diversion programs (alternatives to arrest and prosecution)  if the child is a youthful offender, if the child is charged with an offense that cannot be continued without a finding, if the child is charged with an offense with a minimum penalty of 5 years incarceration, or if the child is guilty of certain other offenses listed in Chapter 277 of the General Laws, under the second sentence of section 70C (Pgs. 1-2).

• Specifies that a child is otherwise eligible for diversion programs as an exception to the aforementioned provision if they have committed the offenses listed under certain sections of chapters 90, 265, and 268 of the General Laws (Pg. 2).

• Specifies that diversion of juvenile court charges does not supersede an indictment from a superior court (Pg. 2).

Full Bill Text