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H 3338

An Act proclaiming April 25th of each year to be Parental Alienation Awareness Day

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Massachusetts designates April 25 each year as Parental Alienation Awareness Day to raise awareness and urge action, with no new funding or regulatory duties.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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Bill Summary · H 3338

Summary of H 3338: An Act proclaiming April 25th of each year to be Parental Alienation Awareness Day

Overview

H 3338 is a Massachusetts House bill that would designate April 25 of each year as Parental Alienation Awareness Day in the Commonwealth. The measure is a symbolic, awareness-focused proclamation rather than a substantive regulatory or funding program. It urges residents to help stop the abuse associated with parental alienation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Declare April 25 every year as “Parental Alienation Awareness Day” in Massachusetts.
  • Raise public awareness about parental alienation, defined in the bill’s preamble as behavior by a parent or trusted adult that harms the child–parent relationship, often involving one caregiver manipulating the child to distance or exclude the other parent.
  • Urge Massachusetts residents and organizations to take steps to prevent and stop such abuse and its impact on children.

Key Provisions

  • Proclamation: The Commonwealth would officially recognize April 25 as Parental Alienation Awareness Day each year.
  • Advocacy Emphasis: The bill urges residents to assist in stopping abuse of children affected by parental alienation.
  • No regulatory or fiscal changes: The text does not create new programs, funding, penalties, or statutory duties for agencies; rather, it serves as a ceremonial designation intended to promote awareness.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Broadly, all Massachusetts residents.
  • Public and private organizations, schools, courts, child welfare and family-services agencies, and advocacy groups may observe or participate in awareness activities consistent with the proclamation.
  • The bill does not impose new obligations or funding on state agencies.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025 (Representative Garry of Dracut, by request; petition filed).
  • Referred to: State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (02/27/2025).
  • Legislative actions indicate a hearing was scheduled for May 13, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM in A-2).
  • Status as of late 2025 includes a “Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025,” signaling ongoing consideration within the session.
  • Senate concurrence noted in the actions list; the bill is part of the 2025-2026 session (One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court).

Related and Parallel Information

  • Related Bill: HD 4055 (replaces) is listed alongside H 3338, reflecting a parallel docket or replacement filing.
  • The bill is categorized as a “bill” in the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight process.

Potential Impact

  • Public awareness: Increased visibility regarding parental alienation and its effects on children.
  • No direct changes to law enforcement, court procedures, or funding mechanisms are specified in the bill.
  • Observance could spur education and outreach efforts by community groups, schools, and family-services organizations.

If desired, I can compare this bill to related proposals or provide a brief overview of parental alienation concepts and existing Massachusetts frameworks for family or child welfare.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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