Bill > S923

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 209B of the Massachusetts General Laws to adopt the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). The key provisions of this bill include: - Establishing jurisdictional standards for a Massachusetts court to make an initial child custody determination or modify an existing determination from another state. This includes criteria such as the child's home state, significant connections to Massachusetts, and emergency situations. - Providing procedures for a Massachusetts court to communicate and cooperate with courts in other states on child custody matters. - Allowing for the registration and enforcement of child custody determinations made by courts in other states in Massachusetts. - Specifying mechanisms for the expedited enforcement of child custody orders, including the issuance of warrants to take physical custody of a child. - Outlining the role of prosecutors and law enforcement in assisting with child custody cases involving potential criminal issues or international child abduction. The bill would take effect on December 31, 2024, and motions or requests filed before that date would be governed by the existing law.