HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 816        FILED ON: 1/13/2009

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 1436

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act relative to juvenile restitution..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 119 of the General Laws, as most recently amended by chapter 176 of the acts of 2008, is hereby amended by inserting after section 62 the following new section:-

Section 62A.  The court shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that restitution is made to the victim of a juvenile offender.  The court shall order that the juvenile be required to repair, replace or otherwise make restitution for damage or loss caused by his wrongful act and may impose fines in limited amounts.   Restitution shall be made a condition of release, placement, or parole by the juvenile court.  In cases where the court determines it is appropriate, the court may order the juvenile to make restitution directly to the court in the form of financial payments, which shall then be turned over to the victim of the offense.  The court may issue such orders as are necessary for the collection of restitution, including garnishments, wage withholdings and executions.