Massachusetts legislation · 194th General Court
Massachusetts H5629: An Act enhancing child welfare protections
Status: Signed into law, August 6, 2026
What the bill says
An Act enhancing child welfare protections. of the same, as follows.
From the introduced text, July 30, 2026:
An Act enhancing child welfare protections. of the same, as follows: SECTION 1. Section 172 of chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 133, the words "2A of chapter 38" and inserting in place thereof the following words:- 17 of chapter 18C. SECTION 2. Section 16U of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out subsections (a) to (e), inclusive, and inserting in place thereof the following subsections:- (a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings: "Child requiring assistance", as defined in section 21 of chapter 119. "Chronic absenteeism", missing not less than 10 per cent of days enrolled regardless of whether the absences are considered excused, unexcused or for disciplinary reasons. of "Community-based services", services, including coordination of services, designed to assist families requiring assistance so that, if appropriate, families may avoid entry or re-entry to the child protective service and child requiring assistance legal systems; and children of the family may continue to reside with their family and attend their community school while enjoying a strengthened relationship with their family. "Family requiring assistance", a parent, guardian, custodian, sibling and any relative or caretaker who (i) …
Sponsors
- Russell Holmes (D, 6th Suffolk)
- Christopher Worrell (D)
- Sean Garballey (D, 23rd Middlesex)
- Thomas Moakley (D)
- Jay Livingstone (D, 8th Suffolk)
Latest actions
- : Signed by the Governor, Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2026
- : Enacted and laid before the Governor
- : Enacted
- : Committee of conference report accepted, in concurrence -see Roll Call #229 (Yeas 40 to Nays 0)
- : Committee of conference report accepted - 157 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 261)
- : Rules suspended
- : Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting, the question being on acceptance
- : Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
- : Reported on H4646
- : Reported from the committee of conference
Votes
- Committee of conference report accepted, in concurrence (July 31, 2026): 40 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Committee of conference report accepted (July 31, 2026): 157 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is H5629?
- H5629 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act enhancing child welfare protections.
- What does H5629 do?
- In its own words: An Act enhancing child welfare protections. of the same, as follows.
- What is the status of H5629?
- Signed into law as of August 6, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor, Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2026 (August 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored H5629?
- Russell Holmes (D, 6th Suffolk), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for H5629?
- On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5629
Source: official Massachusetts record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.