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MA H1716

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Colleen Garry

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Courts would be prohibited from granting unsupervised visitation rights to parents convicted of sexual abuse or other crimes against children under specified statutes (Chapter 265 and Chapter 272 of Massachusetts General Laws)

  • Covered offenses include indecent assault and battery on a child, rape, assault with intent to rape, kidnapping of a minor, and various pornography and prostitution-related crimes involving minors

  • Unsupervised visitation may still be granted if the child is of suitable age, assents to the order, and a guardian ad litem determines visitation is in the child's best interest

  • Amends both Chapter 208 (divorce proceedings) and Chapter 209 (general domestic relations) of the Massachusetts General Laws

  • Similar legislation was filed in the 2023-2024 session as House Bill 1516

Legislative Description

Prohibiting court ordered visitation rights to any persons convicted of criminal offenses against a minor

Last Action

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

10/20/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available