MA H4046

Establishes a special commission to study Massachusetts' alimony system and recommend improvements, declared an emergency law for immediate effect

Commission membership includes 10 members: Joint Judiciary Committee chairs (as co-chairs), 4 legislative appointees, 1 Probate and Family Court appointee, and 2 legal experts from the Massachusetts Bar Association and Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation

Study scope includes statewide alimony award trends, review of the alimony calculation formula and tax implications, economic impact on families, and comparison with other states' laws

Commission must examine the interplay between alimony and child support, court enforcement differences between the two, and uniformity of application across Massachusetts counties

Final report with recommendations and proposed legislation due to the Joint Judiciary Committee and legislative clerks by December 31, 2026