MCOPA Legislative Action Alert
URGENT: Contact Your Massachusetts State Senator Today
Oppose Senate Amendment 495 – Changes to the Age of Criminal Majority
The Massachusetts Senate is scheduled to debate the Economic Development Bill TODAY, Wednesday, July 21, 2026, and Senate Amendment 495 has been filed for consideration.
This amendment would raise the age of criminal majority from 18 to 19 and make extensive changes throughout Massachusetts law affecting juvenile jurisdiction, criminal procedure, the Department of Youth Services, victim rights, and numerous other statutes.
While Amendment 495 is narrower than S.1061, which proposed eventually raising the age to 21, it remains a significant criminal justice policy change that deserves full legislative review as standalone legislation, not as an amendment to the Economic Development Bill.
MCOPA Action Requested
Please contact your State Senator by telephone this morning.
A personal phone call from a constituent Chief of Police is one of the most effective forms of legislative advocacy, particularly before floor debate begins.
Please respectfully ask your Senator to:
- Vote NO on Senate Amendment 495.
- Oppose advancing this significant criminal justice policy through an amendment to the Economic Development Bill.
- Support consideration of this issue through the normal legislative process, where it can receive full public review and stakeholder input.
After your phone call, please email your Senator the attached MCOPA letter opposing Amendment 495.
The attached letter outlines MCOPA’s concerns and explains why legislation of this magnitude deserves careful review before any action is taken.
Key Talking Points
- Amendment 495 would significantly change Massachusetts’ juvenile justice system by raising the age of criminal majority from 18 to 19.
- The amendment makes extensive changes to dozens of Massachusetts statutes affecting law enforcement, the courts, DYS, and victims.
- A similar proposal, S.1061, remains pending before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Amendment 495 attempts to advance this policy through the Economic Development Bill instead of the normal legislative process.
- Massachusetts already provides substantial diversion and rehabilitation opportunities for young adult offenders while maintaining accountability.
- This proposal would have significant operational and fiscal impacts on police departments, prosecutors, the courts, DYS, and victims across the Commonwealth.
- MCOPA believes sweeping criminal justice reforms should receive full legislative review and public testimony before enactment.
Thank You
Timing is critical. Senate debate begins today, and your immediate outreach can make a meaningful difference.