H 1718
An Act relative to the concealment of the death of children and the penalties for the sale or purchase of minor children
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill addresses the serious issues of concealing the death of children and the illegal sale or purchase of minors. It aims to strengthen penalties for those involved in concealing a child’s death and to criminalize the buying or selling of children. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee and subsequently accompanied a study order.
Key provisions
- Increases penalties for concealing the death of a child.
- Criminalizes the sale or purchase of minor children.
- Requires reporting of suspected cases of child trafficking.
- Establishes a study order to examine related issues.
- Addresses similar legislation previously introduced in the Massachusetts legislature.
Who is affected
- Child welfare agencies
- Law enforcement
- Parents and guardians of children
- Potential victims of child trafficking
- The general public
Notable changes
- The bill seeks to expand existing laws related to child protection.
- It introduces a new criminal offense – the sale or purchase of minor children.
- It mandates a study order to further investigate the scope of the problem.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Colleen M. Garry
Cosponsor
Colleen M. Garry
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1718 194th (Current)
An Act relative to the concealment of the death of children and the penalties for the sale or purchase of minor children
By Representative Garry of Dracut, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1718) of Colleen M. Garry relative to the concealment of the death of children and the penalties for the sale or purchase of minor children. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Colleen M. Garry
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1718
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/5/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 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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