Bill > H2037

This bill, named "Katherine's Law," makes several important changes to existing Massachusetts laws regarding domestic abuse protection and child custody. The bill amends provisions related to leave from work and court proceedings to provide additional protections for domestic abuse survivors. Specifically, it expands workers' leave provisions to allow individuals to take time off work to care for themselves or their minor child after a court, law enforcement, or child welfare agency determines they have suffered abuse from a family or household member. In custody cases, the bill strengthens protections by creating a stronger presumption against awarding custody to an abusive parent. If a court finds by a preponderance of evidence that a pattern or serious incident of abuse has occurred towards a parent or child, there will be a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the child's best interests to be in custody with the abusive parent. Additionally, the bill adds a provision that if abuse is determined to have been perpetrated against a minor child, the court shall not place the child in sole, shared legal, or shared physical custody with the abusive parent. The bill also facilitates legal proceedings by stating that petitions filed on behalf of a minor child who has suffered abuse from a family member with whom they share a surname shall be considered consistent with public interests.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2037