Bill > H1528

This bill establishes a task force composed of eleven members to study issues surrounding grandparents' visitation rights, which refers to the legal ability of grandparents to see their grandchildren. The task force will examine legal and social challenges related to grandparents' access to visitation, the effects of losing contact on families, ways to support these relationships, and potential legislative changes that align with the state constitution. The members will be appointed by various officials, including the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Governor, and the Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court, with specific requirements for some appointees to represent advocacy groups for grandparents seeking visitation, children's interests, legal services programs with family law experience, and the family law section of the Massachusetts Bar Association. All appointments must be made within thirty days of the bill's effective date, and any vacancies will be filled by the original appointing authority.