H4065

Relative to supporting survivors of domestic violence and enhancing child welfare

Introduced·5/1/25
Introduced Text

Supports survivors of domestic violence and enhances child welfare by changing presumptions in neglect cases.

This bill amends Chapter 119 of the General Laws to include training on domestic violence issues for employees of the Department of Children and Families. It establishes a rebuttable presumption in neglect cases that a victim of domestic violence is not neglectful for failing to prevent a child from witnessing the violence, leave the home, end the relationship, report the violence, or seek an order of protection. Domestic violence includes coercive control as defined in Chapter 209A.

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  • 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 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