S2659
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to strengthen child welfare protections in Massachusetts by establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care, creating an electronic record-keeping system for foster children, expanding the number of mandated reporters, and requiring ongoing training for those reporters. It also addresses child fatality reviews and supports families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics, while ensuring compliance with federal education reporting requirements for students in out-of-home placements.
Key provisions
- Establishes a bill of rights for children in foster care.
- Creates an electronic backpack for foster children to track their records.
- Authorizes the Commonwealth to establish additional mandated reporters.
- Requires mandated reporters to complete training every two years.
- Addresses child fatality review processes.
- Supports families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics.
- Ensures compliance with federal education reporting requirements for out-of-home placement students.
Who is affected
- Children in foster care
- Foster parents
- Mandated reporters (e.g., teachers, healthcare professionals)
- Families dealing with child loss
- School administrators and educators
Notable changes
- Expands the definition of mandated reporters.
- Mandates regular training for mandated reporters.
- Creates a system for tracking and documenting foster children's records.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Families and Persons with Disabilities Joint Committee on Children
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill S.2659 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
Senate, October 23, 2025 -- The committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 107) of Joanne M. Comerford and Nick Collins for legislation to establish a bill of rights for children in foster care; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 125) of Ryan C. Fattman, Joseph D. McKenna and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to create an electronic backpack for foster children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 127) of Paul R. Feeney and Michael S. Chaisson for legislation to authorize the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish additional mandated reporters for the purpose of the protection and care of children; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 129) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to require that mandated reporters complete training at least every two years to recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 133) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to child fatality review; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 148) of Robyn K. Kennedy for legislation to enhance child welfare protections; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 159) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation relative to supporting families dealing with sudden unexplained death in pediatrics; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2585) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish compliance with federal education reporting requirements for out of home placement students, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2659).
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 2 actions for Bill S.2659
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 11/3/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently |
| 11/24/2025 | Senate | Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
S.148 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
S.124 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
S.2804 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
S.164 194th (Current)
Resolve establishing the Harmony commission to study and make recommendations related to the welfare and best interests of children in care and prote...
S.127 194th (Current)
An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to establish additional mandated reporters for the purpose of the protection and care of childre
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.