H2037

Relative to domestic abuse protection, "Katherine's Law"

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Katherine's Law provides domestic abuse protections, including MassHealth coverage and custody presumptions.

Katherine's Law amends Massachusetts law to provide protections for individuals and children who have suffered abuse. It offers MassHealth coverage for up to 12 months to those determined to have suffered abuse, regardless of income or asset level. The law also creates a rebuttable presumption against placing a child in custody with an abusive parent, defined as someone who has committed a pattern or serious incident of abuse. Additionally, it mandates training for professionals to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect.

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

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jun 17, 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 06/17/2025 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