Proposed state law

Enhances child welfare protections becomes law

Last activity August 6, 2026 (about 1 month ago)

  1. Filed

    July 30, 2026

  2. In committee

  3. Reported out of committee

  4. Passed the legislature

  5. Signed by the Governor

The Massachusetts House and Senate approved H5629, An Act enhancing child welfare protections, with a compromise version. It was enacted and signed by the Governor on August 6, 2026 as Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2026. The measure, introduced by Child Welfare Protection and five sponsors, clarifies safeguards for vulnerable children and families.

Affects children and families

Filed by Child Welfare Protection, Jay D. Livingstone, Thomas W. Moakley, Sean Garballey, Christopher J. Worrell, and Russell E. Holmes

Now with the Massachusetts House of Representatives

About Health & Human Services

Compare with the government's own wording

Official title

An Act enhancing child welfare protections

Timeline

  1. July 30, 2026

    Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling

    House

  2. July 30, 2026

    Reported from the committee of conference

    House

  3. July 30, 2026

    Reported on H4646

    House

  4. July 31, 2026

    Committee of conference report accepted - 157 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 261)

    House

  5. July 31, 2026

    Committee of conference report accepted, in concurrence -see Roll Call #229 (Yeas 40 to Nays 0)

    Senate

  6. July 31, 2026

    Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting, the question being on acceptance

    House

  7. July 31, 2026

    Enacted

    House

  8. July 31, 2026

    Enacted and laid before the Governor

    Senate

  9. July 31, 2026

    Rules suspended

    House

  10. August 6, 2026

    Signed by the Governor, Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2026

    Executive