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HD 81

An Act to prevent aiding, supporting, or enticing a child to runaway

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marcus Vaughn

Massachusetts bill criminalizes adults who aid, support, or entice minors to runaway, aiming to reduce youth flight but raising questions about shelter operations and intervention approaches.

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Bill Summary · HD 81

Legislative bill overview

HD 81 proposes to create or strengthen criminal penalties for adults who aid, support, or entice minors to run away from home or legal custody. The bill targets behavior that facilitates child runaways, potentially including providing shelter, transportation, money, or encouragement to flee parental or guardian care.

Why is this important

Child runaways create serious safety risks including exploitation, trafficking, homelessness, and harm. Legally clarifying which adult actions constitute criminal conduct could deter behavior enabling runaways and potentially protect vulnerable youth. However, the law's scope and enforcement directly affect how social workers, shelter operators, and community organizations interact with at-risk children.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: What constitutes "enticing" or "supporting"? Could providing shelter to a runaway teenager at a youth crisis center violate this law, or is there a caregiver exception?
  • Intent vs. outcome: Should the law require prosecutors to prove the adult intended to aid a runaway, or is facilitating it enough regardless of motive?
  • Conflict with child welfare practices: Child advocates may argue mandatory reporting and intervention systems already exist, and criminalization could discourage youth from seeking help from trusted adults outside the family system who might report abuse.

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

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