Bill > H2002

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding parental visitation rights for children conceived through rape by prohibiting courts from granting visitation rights to a parent convicted of rape unless the child (who is now at least 18 years old or legally emancipated) initiates a visitation or custody action themselves. Specifically, the bill amends Chapter 209C of the Massachusetts General Laws to prevent rapists from automatically seeking visitation rights to children conceived during their criminal act. The legislation covers rape convictions under specific sections of Massachusetts criminal law (chapters 265 and 272), which define various types of sexual assault. By requiring the child to be an adult or emancipated and to personally initiate any visitation proceedings, the bill aims to protect victims of rape and their children from being forced to interact with their biological parent who committed a sexual assault, giving the child agency in deciding whether to establish a relationship with the parent who committed the crime.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2002