Bill > H1307

This bill proposes to prohibit courts from ordering visitation rights for parents who have been convicted of certain criminal offenses against children, including sexual abuse. Specifically, it amends existing laws (Chapter 208, Section 28 and Chapter 209, Section 37) to prevent courts from granting visitation to parents convicted of offenses listed in various sections of Chapter 265 and Chapter 272 of the General Laws, which cover crimes like sexual assault and abuse of children. An exception is made if the child is old enough to consent to the visitation and a guardian ad litem, a court-appointed representative for the child, determines that the visitation is in the child's best interest. This legislation aims to protect children by limiting contact with parents who have committed serious crimes against them.