HD 3556 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act prohibiting court ordered visitation rights to any persons convicted of criminal offenses against a minor

This bill prohibits courts from ordering unsupervised visitation between parents convicted of specific crimes against minors and their children. It directly affects parents convicted of offenses listed in Chapter 265 (e.g., sexual abuse, child endangerment) and Chapter 272 (e.g., child exploitation, trafficking) of the Massachusetts General Laws. The prohibition applies unless the child is of "suitable age" to consent and a court-appointed guardian ad litem determines the visitation is in the child’s best interest. The bill amends Sections 28 of Chapter 208 and Section 37 of Chapter 209 in the General Laws.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor