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H 269

An Act strengthening parenting time plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Meschino

Massachusetts bill H 269 aims to strengthen parenting time plans in family law to improve custody arrangements and enforcement for children and families.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4656
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Bill Summary · H 269

Legislative bill overview

H 269 is a Massachusetts bill designed to strengthen parenting time plans, likely addressing how custody and visitation arrangements are structured and enforced in family law cases. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and has undergone hearings and revisions, with a newer draft (H4656) accompanying recent action.

Why is this important

Parenting time plans directly affect millions of children and families navigating custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental rights. Strengthening these plans could improve clarity around parental responsibilities, reduce disputes, and potentially enhance protections for children's wellbeing and access to both parents.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "strengthening": Without access to the bill's specific language, it's unclear whether strengthening means stricter enforcement, expanded parental rights, enhanced child protections, or procedural changes—each would have different stakeholder support and opposition
  • Custody and visitation standards: Changes to how courts determine parenting time allocations could benefit some family structures while disadvantaging others, particularly regarding shared custody presumptions or special circumstances
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Proposals to strengthen enforcement could burden the court system and may disproportionately impact lower-income families unable to afford legal compliance

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

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