H1704

To prevent aiding, supporting, or enticing a child to runaway

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1704 imposes penalties for aiding, supporting, or enticing children to run away from their legal guardians or care providers.

Massachusetts H1704 amends the General Laws to establish penalties for those who knowingly aid, support, or entice children to run away. Specifically, it targets individuals who assist children under 18 in absconding from their legal guardians or care providers, with harsher penalties for those aiding children under 14. The penalties include imprisonment and fines, with increased severity for offenses committed near educational institutions. The term "entice" is defined broadly to include actions such as luring, inducing, or soliciting a child to run away.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jun 10, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 20, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 20, 2025

House

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