An Act relative to court approved parent education program

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

Requires every parent in a paternity case to complete a Probate and Family Court-approved parenting education program, overseen by the court.

Overview

Bill: HD 3565

Title: An Act relative to court approved parent education program

Primary sponsor: Representative Colleen M. Garry (Dracut)

Filed: January 17, 2025 (House Docket No. 3565)

Context: Bill language indicates a new requirement within Massachusetts General Laws governing probate and family court proceedings. A related measure was previously filed in the 2023-2024 session as House No. 1511.

What the bill would do

Add a new provision to Chapter 209C of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition).

Section 25 would require: “Any parent involved in a paternity case must complete a Probate and Family Court approved parent education program.”

The program referenced is specifically described as a court-approved parent education program administered by the Probate and Family Court.

Key provisions and changes

Mandatory education requirement: All parents involved in a paternity case must complete the court-approved education program.

Scope: Applies to paternity-related proceedings under the Probate and Family Court system in Massachusetts.

Administrative framework: The bill envisions a formal program approved by the Probate and Family Court, implying development or designation of an approved curriculum, providers, and standards.

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: Parents who are parties to paternity cases in Massachusetts probate and family court.

Administrative bodies: Probate and Family Court would administer or oversee the approved education program and any related compliance mechanisms.

Potential indirect impacts: Courts, counsel, and litigants may experience scheduling changes or procedural steps associated with completing the program prior to or during paternity-related proceedings (specific timing not defined in the bill text).

Timeline and procedural notes

The text provided does not specify when in the case the education must be completed, deadlines, exemptions, waivers, fees, or enforcement consequences. Such details would typically be addressed in implementing regulations or subsequent amendments if the bill progresses.

Legislative history references a similar measure in a prior session (H. 1511 of 2023-2024), indicating ongoing consideration of this concept.

Context and considerations

Purpose: The bill appears aimed at ensuring parents receive education to support outcomes in paternity cases, potentially promoting better parenting decisions and reducing post-judgment disputes.

Implementation questions: Key items to watch include the definition of the program, approved providers, cost or funding responsibilities, required timing, exemptions (e.g., for already completed courses or certain circumstances), and how compliance would be demonstrated in court.

This summary captures the essential, publicly stated elements of HD 3565: its objective to require court-approved parent education for parents in paternity cases, with the understanding that many implementation specifics would be clarified if the bill advances.

Bill