H 1748
An Act relative to preventing suicide
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to establish penalties for individuals who knowingly possess information about someone experiencing suicidal ideation and fail to take appropriate action to prevent harm. The goal is to encourage reporting of potential suicide risks and potentially deter individuals from withholding information. The bill aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals by addressing a gap in current law regarding mandated reporting of suicidal thoughts. It is currently under consideration by the Massachusetts legislature’s Judiciary committee.
Key provisions
- Establishes penalties for knowingly possessing information about suicidal ideation.
- Requires individuals with knowledge of suicidal thoughts to report them.
- Defines ‘knowledge’ in the context of suicidal ideation.
- Specifies the types of information that constitute ‘knowledge’.
- Outlines potential penalties for failing to report.
- Creates a framework for reporting procedures.
- Addresses the responsibility of healthcare professionals and others who may encounter suicidal individuals.
- Includes provisions for training and education related to suicide prevention.
Who is affected
- Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation
- Healthcare professionals
- Family members and friends
- Individuals who may possess knowledge of suicidal thoughts
- The general public
Notable changes
- Introduces a legal framework for addressing knowledge of suicidal ideation.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Natalie M. Higgins
Cosponsors
Mark C. Montigny
Mark D. Sylvia
Natalie M. Higgins
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1748 194th (Current)
An Act relative to preventing suicide
By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1748) of Natalie M. Higgins and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to establish penalties for the knowledge of suicidal ideation. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Natalie M. Higgins
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1748
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 4/1/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 04/08/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 04/08/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:30 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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