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MA H1713
Bill
Status
2/27/2025
Primary Sponsor
Colleen Garry
Click for details
AI Summary
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Allows a married woman to petition the court to terminate her husband's parental rights if the child was conceived as a result of rape under Massachusetts General Laws sections 22 or 22A of chapter 265
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Allows an unmarried mother to petition to terminate the parental rights of a perpetrator if the child was conceived through rape
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Requires courts to use a "clear and convincing evidence" standard to determine if conception resulted from rape, with a guilty plea or conviction serving as conclusive proof
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Creates a legal presumption that termination of parental rights is in the best interest of a child conceived through rape
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Permits termination petitions to be filed at any time, with no statute of limitations, and recognizes similar rape laws from other states, territories, or Native American tribes
Legislative Description
To protect victims of rape and children conceived during the commission of said offense
Last Action
Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order
10/20/2025