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H 273

An Act relative to a maltreatment coding system

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sam Montaño

Massachusetts bill establishing standardized coding system for documenting child maltreatment to improve data collection and interagency coordination in child protective services.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 273

Legislative bill overview

H 273 establishes a standardized coding system for documenting child maltreatment cases in Massachusetts. The bill aims to create uniform classification and reporting protocols across child protective services agencies, potentially improving data collection and interagency communication regarding abuse and neglect incidents.

Why is this important

A consistent coding system enables better tracking of maltreatment patterns, facilitates research on child welfare outcomes, and allows agencies to identify gaps in services or recurring issues. Standardized data also supports evidence-based policy decisions and can improve case management efficiency across the state's child protection system.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Developing and training staff on a new coding system requires funding and operational changes that may strain already-stretched agencies
  • Privacy and data sharing concerns: Standardized coding systems require information sharing between agencies, raising questions about data security and family privacy protections
  • Definitional disagreements: Consensus on what constitutes different types of maltreatment and how to classify edge cases may be difficult to achieve among diverse practitioners and stakeholders

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

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