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HD 1600

An Act regarding on behalf orders

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Meg Kilcoyne

The bill ensures protection orders issued for minors remain in effect after they turn 18, with a court-determined extension or permanent order at the majority transition.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1600

Overview

HD 1600, titled “An Act regarding on behalf orders,” is a proposed Massachusetts bill introduced in the 2025-2026 General Court. The measure seeks to ensure that protection orders issued on behalf of a minor child remain effective beyond the child reaching the age of majority (18 years), by adding new sections to two existing chapters of the General Laws.

What the bill would change

  • Adds Section 9A to Chapter 209A (Protection Orders for Domestic Violence) and Section 11A to Chapter 258E (Protection for Minors, as appearing in the 2022 edition).
  • Core concept: Orders protecting minors issued on behalf of a minor remain in effect after the minor reaches adulthood unless the court orders otherwise.
  • At the age of majority, the plaintiff (the party seeking protection) may appear at the court on the date and time the order is set to expire. The court would then decide whether to:
    • Extend the order for an additional period reasonably necessary to protect the plaintiff, or
    • Enter a permanent order.

Who would be affected

  • Minor children who have protective orders issued on their behalf (the protected party).
  • Petitioners/plaintiffs who sought protection for the minor.
  • The court (superior, district, or family court handling protection orders) would implement the extension or permanent order process.
  • Respondents subject to these orders would continue to be bound by the protections, with potential continued enforcement beyond the minor’s 18th birthday if extended.

How it would work (procedural/timeline)

  • The existing protection orders would remain in effect past the minor’s age of majority unless the court orders otherwise.
  • Upon reaching majority, the expiration date triggers a court appearance by the plaintiff to determine continuation.
  • The court would assess and determine:
    • An extension period necessary to protect the plaintiff, or
    • A transition to a permanent protection order, if appropriate.
  • This creates a formal mechanism to address protection needs without requiring a new petition or re-filing.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Increases continuity of protection for individuals who become adults while under a minor-protective order.
  • Provides a clear, court-guided process to decide on extensions or permanent orders at the critical transition age.
  • Could affect court caseload timing around expiration dates and require scheduling adjustments to address post-majority extensions.
  • No specific fiscal impact, effective dates, or broader policy shifts are stated in the provided text.

Notes

  • Status indicates a proposed bill with introduced language; no enactment status is provided here.
  • The bill text references “on behalf of orders,” focusing specifically on orders issued for the protection of minors.

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

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