HD 262 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act titled Justina's law

HD 262, "Justina's Law," protects parents or legal guardians from being charged with child abuse or neglect for following a licensed medical or mental health provider's treatment plan for their child. The bill requires that parents must have sought care from a licensed provider, received a diagnosis, and been prescribed a lawful treatment plan they are following or willing to follow. It also prohibits mandatory reporters from filing abuse reports solely based on a parent following a provider's recommended treatment, even if another provider suggests a different approach. This applies except in immediate life-threatening situations, where a parent's choice may be overridden only with clear and convincing evidence.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

No actions recorded for this bill.
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Marc Lombardo
Marc Lombardo
RRepublican
MA
22nd Middlesex