Salem State Rep. Manny Cruz's 'Raise The Age' Bill Gets Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Push

SALEM, MA — State Rep. Manny Cruz (D-Salem) enjoyed some high-profile support from Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown and owner Steve Pagliuca at a recent State House hearing on the "Raise the Age" legislation.

Cruz, State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) and State Rep. James O'Day (D-Worcester) are co-sponsors of the bill that would gradually raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction over non-violent crimes from 17 years old to 20 years old over the course of five years.

Cruz said the bill aligns with brain science studies that "clearly indicate that the brain does not fully mature until the age of 25."

"By advocating for the passage of this bill, we acknowledge the scientific realities, human capital needs, and the impactful nature of restorative practices that can lead to more effective and compassionate juvenile justice policies," Cruz said. "Ultimately, passing the Raise the Age Bill will
reduce crime by ensuring that 18, 19, and 20 years can receive evidence-based rehabilitation services that will greatly reduce recidivism and allow for these young people to re-enter society
as productive residents.

"We all must know at least one young person in this age group who was one mistake away from landing in the adult criminal justice nor who ultimately did. The current approach of incarcerating this age group potentially tracks them for the revolving door of engagement with the criminal justice system rather than offering a real opportunity for rehabilitation."

According to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, those in the juvenile justice system have a 30 percent lower rate of recidivism compared to those who are in the adult criminal justice system.

"Raising the Age would be a game changer for our youth seeking to re-enter society while still providing our law enforcement professionals with ability to ensure accountability and justice," Cruz said. "I look forward to working with my fellow cosponsors, our legislative leadership, the Celtics organization, and Jaylen Brown to continue to bring awareness to the impact of this vital piece of legislation which would ensure that we truly become a Commonwealth that provides youth in our criminal justice system with a shot at second chance to realize their full potential."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)