S 114 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to establish miranda rights for families under investigation by the department of children and families

S 114 requires Massachusetts' Department of Children and Families (DCF) to inform families of their rights before interviews during child welfare investigations. It directly affects families under investigation for potential child safety concerns. The bill mandates that DCF staff provide clear, plain-language information about the investigation's purpose, the family's right to remain silent, and the right to consult an attorney before answering questions. This establishes specific procedural safeguards during DCF interactions, similar to criminal "Miranda" warnings.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Nov 26, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors