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H 3882

An Act relative to the military family advocacy program, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Sena

Strengthens DCF-MFAP coordination, requires sharing credible domestic violence and child abuse allegations with military authorities via MOUs at local bases to protect families.

Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 3882

Summary: H.3882 — An Act relative to the military family advocacy program, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect

Overview

H.3882 proposes to strengthen coordination between the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Military Family Advocacy Program (MFAP) in cases involving domestic violence and child abuse or neglect within military families. The bill would require information sharing about credible allegations and establish formal memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between DCF and MFAP at local military installations. The act would take effect immediately upon enactment. The hearing for the bill has been scheduled and rescheduled, with the latest hearing set for June 24, 2025.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 (51B, Chapter 119): Information sharing with military authorities

    • If a report to DCF is accepted as a credible allegation of domestic abuse or child abuse/neglect, DCF must collect information on the military status of the spouse, intimate partner, parent, or guardian of the child.
    • DCF must share information about the allegation with appropriate military authorities in accordance with the memorandum of understanding described in Section 51D.

  • Section 2 (51D, Chapter 119): Memoranda of understanding with MFAP

    • Each DCF area director must, on behalf of the department, enter into an MOU with MFAP at a local military installation regarding child abuse and neglect investigations.
    • The MFAP is defined as the program established by the DoD to address child abuse and neglect in military families.
    • MOUs must establish procedures addressing:
    • (i) Identifying individuals credibly alleged to have committed abuse or neglect as military personnel.
    • (ii) Identifying appropriate circumstances for reporting to MFAP without reducing likelihood of reporting or creating undue risk to the health or wellbeing of the spouse, intimate partner, or child.
    • (iii) Reporting to MFAP when an investigation implicating military personnel has been initiated.
    • (iv) Maintaining confidentiality requirements under state and federal law.

  • Section 3: Effective date

    • The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is Affected

  • Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)
  • Military Family Advocacy Program (MFAP) at local military installations
  • Individuals involved in domestic violence or child abuse/neglect cases where a military member may be implicated
  • Military authorities with MFAP involvement
  • Families and children in military households under DCF review

Timeline & Status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to: House Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (02/27/2025)
  • Related actions: Senate concurred; similar matter previously filed (HD 3537 in 2023-2024); related bill HD 1489 (replaces)
  • Hearing: Originally scheduled for 01:00-05:00 PM; rescheduled to June 24, 2025
    • Note: Hearing location has changed from 437 to A-1 for the later date
  • Current status: Hearing rescheduled to 06/24/2025; continues in the Veterans and Federal Affairs purview

Potential Impact

  • Enhanced cross-agency coordination to protect victims and ensure timely reporting when military personnel are involved
  • Formalized procedures for identifying and reporting to MFAP while safeguarding confidentiality
  • Clearer responsibilities for DCF area directors and MFAP at local installations
  • Possible implementation considerations, including resources for MOUs, training, and data sharing protocols

Next Steps

  • Committee discussion and potential amendments at the June 24, 2025 hearing
  • If advanced, passage through both chambers and gubernatorial action could follow, subject to further amendments and scheduling.

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

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