Amendment #397 to H4600

Harmony Commission: Outside Section

Ms. Doherty of Taunton moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

“SECTION XX. There shall be a Harmony commission, to study, examine and make recommendations to improve the care and protection process, including addressing risk and safety to children and to provide clear guidance on how the safety of children is addressed in these cases. The commission shall build upon the work of the Trial Court's Care and Protection Working Group.

The commission shall consist of: the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, who shall serve as co-chairs; the child advocate or a designee; the chief justice of the juvenile court or a designee; the chief justice of the trial court or a designee; the commissioner of children and families or a designee; and the chief counsel of the committee for public counsel services or a designee.

The commission shall study how a child’s rights, welfare and best interest considerations are currently handled in care and protection cases, including relevant legal standards, and make recommendations for how to better protect and serve children in such cases.

The commission shall hold its first meeting not later than 60 days after the effective date of this act. The commission shall meet not less than monthly.

Not later than January 1, 2025, the commission shall file a report of its findings and recommendations, along with any legislation, with the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the governor and the chief justice of the juvenile court department. The report shall be publicly posted on the website of the department of children and families.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #397 to H4600

Harmony Commission: Outside Section