Massachusetts H218: Resolve establishing the Harmony commission to study and make recommendations related to the welfare and best interests of children in care and protection cases

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

Resolved, there shall be a Harmony Commission, to study, examine and make recommendations regarding the welfare and best interest considerations of children in care and protection cases and petitions to dispense with consent cases conducted pursuant to section 29C of chapter 119 of the General Laws and section 3 of chapter 210 of the General Laws. The commission shall build upon the work of the Trial Court's Care and Protection Working Group. The commission shall consist of: the chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, who shall serve as co-chairs; the chairs of the joint committee on the judiciary; the chair and vice-chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus or their designees; members to be appointed by the governor, of whom shall have been in foster care as children and 2 of whom shall be foster parents; the attorney general or a designee; the child advocate or a designee; the commissioner of children and families or a designee; the chief counsel of the committee for public counsel services or a designee; member to be appointed by the committee for public counsel services who shall be an attorney certified by the children and family law division of the committee for public counsel services who shall have a minimum of 7 years of experience in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Carol Doherty (D, 3rd Bristol) · primary sponsor
• James Hawkins (D, 2nd Bristol)

Latest actions

1. December 31, 2025: Accompanied a study order, see H4883
2. July 22, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 07/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-03:15 PM in A-1 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Common questions

What is H218?

H218 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): Resolve establishing the Harmony commission to study and make recommendations related to the welfare and best interests of children in care and protection cases.

What is the status of H218?

Failed as of December 31, 2025. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H4883 (December 31, 2025).

Who sponsored H218?

Carol Doherty (D, 3rd Bristol), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H218?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H218