An Act maintaining protective orders

This bill amends Massachusetts' domestic violence protective order law (Chapter 209A) to require courts to explicitly prohibit defendants from contacting a plaintiff's child or child in the plaintiff's care during protective orders. It directly affects victims of domestic violence, their children, and individuals accused of abuse. The key change adds a specific provision banning contact with children and ensures the protective order remains in effect even after the plaintiff's death, lasting until the order expires or is lifted by a court. This clarifies existing protections without creating new requirements.