Bill > S975

This bill amends Chapter 209B of the General Laws to enact the Massachusetts Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The key provisions include: - Establishing definitions and jurisdictional standards for initial child custody determinations, exclusive continuing jurisdiction, and temporary emergency jurisdiction. - Allowing courts to communicate with courts in other states, take testimony from witnesses in other states, and cooperate in the preservation of records. - Providing procedures for the registration and enforcement of child custody determinations made in other states. - Authorizing prosecutors and law enforcement to assist in locating children and enforcing child custody determinations. - Applying the new law to child custody proceedings commenced on or after January 1, 2022, while allowing pending proceedings to be governed by the prior law. The bill aims to promote uniformity in the handling of child custody matters across different states in order to provide stability and security for children.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S975