Bill > H218

This bill establishes the Harmony Commission, a comprehensive study group focused on examining the welfare and best interests of children in care and protection legal cases. The commission will be composed of 30+ members representing diverse stakeholders including legislative committee chairs, foster care alumni, foster parents, legal professionals, judges, advocates, and representatives from organizations serving children and marginalized communities. The commission's mandate is to conduct an in-depth study of how children's rights and welfare are currently handled in care and protection cases, with a particular focus on examining disparities affecting children of color, immigrant children, children with disabilities, LGBTQ+ children, trauma survivors, and children living in poverty. The commission will review existing laws, policies, and practices, analyze constitutional rights of parents and children, study sibling visitation rights, and hold at least three public hearings in geographically diverse areas to gather input. By January 1, 2026, the commission must file a detailed report with legislative leaders, the governor, and the juvenile court's chief justice, including racial impact statements and potential recommendations for improving child welfare practices. Members will serve without compensation, meet at least monthly, and be subject to open meeting laws, with the goal of developing strategies to better protect and serve children in care and protection legal proceedings.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H218