SECTION 1. Chapter 119 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following new section:-

Section XXXX. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be an independent commission to study and report on the recent case before the Department of Children and Families regarding Justina Pelletier. The commission shall consist of: the inspector general, or a designee; the attorney general, or a designee;  the state auditor, or a designee; 2 members of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader, and shall act as chair; and 2 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the minority leader. The commission shall research and assess the cost of the case, and the evidence and reasoning that led the Department of Children and Families to take Justina Pelletier away from her family. The commission shall also conduct an investigation of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 119, section 51A, focusing the number of families affected and any changes that can be made to the law to limit improper use.

(b) Said report shall be filed with to the chair and ranking minority member of the house committee on ways and means, the chair and ranking minority member of the senate committee on ways and means, and the clerks of the House of Representatives and senate no later than October 15, 2018.”