H 198 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to animal welfare and DCF regulations

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to review veterinary records and behavior assessments of pets when investigating families seeking to adopt or foster children. It mandates that applicants provide proof that their animals are vaccinated, licensed, and free from disease, while explicitly prohibiting the denial of a child's placement based solely on the breed of a dog in the home. The legislation also allows the department to consider specific factors such as the dog's age, size, and any history of dangerous behavior, with the cost of required assessments falling on the family. Additionally, the bill grants the department authority to create further regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of children in relation to household animals.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 25, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
5
Committee
5
Amendments
1
Jul 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
Amended (as recommended by the committee on House Ways and Means) adopted
lower
Jul 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting with the amendment pending
lower
Jul 25, 2024
Committee
Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling with the amendment pending
lower
Jul 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass with an amendment, substituting therefor a bill, see H4911
lower
Feb 15, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
1 primary · 18 co-sponsors

Sponsors