S 118 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

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

This bill creates the Harmony Commission to examine how the state handles care and protection cases for children. The commission will be composed of judges, lawyers, government officials, and community representatives, including individuals with personal experience in the foster care system. Its main task is to review current laws and practices to find ways that better protect the rights and well-being of children, while also considering the impact on families and parents. The group will specifically look at how the system affects children from diverse backgrounds and will study issues like sibling visitation rights.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jul 2024
Senate Passage
May 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 8, 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
9
Key actions
5
Committee
3
Jul 8, 2024
Upper · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Jun 6, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
upper
May 21, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Mar 28, 2024
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
upper
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors