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H 573

An Act to protect children from adults in positions of authority or trust

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carole Fiola and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill strengthening child protection measures against institutional abuse by defining authority figures' responsibilities and accountability in schools and youth-serving organizations.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4538
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Bill Summary · H 573

Legislative bill overview

H 573 is Massachusetts legislation designed to strengthen protections for children against abuse and misconduct by adults in positions of authority or trust, such as teachers, coaches, clergy, and other institutional figures. The bill's specific provisions have evolved through the legislative process, with a new draft (H4538) accompanying recent amendments as of September 2025.

Why is this important

Child protection laws directly affect institutional accountability and victims' ability to report and seek recourse for abuse. These measures impact schools, sports organizations, religious institutions, and other youth-serving entities, influencing both prevention protocols and legal liability frameworks for organizations and individuals.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition specificity: Disagreement may arise over which adults/positions are covered and how "positions of authority or trust" are legally defined, potentially affecting who faces heightened scrutiny
  • Reporting and liability requirements: Debate over mandatory reporting thresholds, institutional liability standards, and whether provisions create excessive legal exposure for organizations or insufficient accountability
  • Statute of limitations and retroactivity: Questions about whether the law applies to past offenses, affects existing cases, or extends timelines for filing claims, which can significantly impact accused parties and institutions

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

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