Amendment #10 to H4644

Consideration of a Child’s Racial, Ethnic, Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Identity

Ms. Meschino of Hull moves to amend the bill, as amended, by adding the following section:

SECTION XXXX. SECTION 1. Section 1 of Chapter 119 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting the following sentence at the end of the third paragraph:-

Consideration of the child’s long-term well-being shall include consideration of how best to preserve and promote the child’s cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities.

SECTION 2. Section 5-207 of Chapter 190B of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following sentence at the end of subsection (a):-

The court’s consideration of what would be in the best interest of the minor shall include consideration of how best to preserve and promote the minor’s cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities.

SECTION 3. Section 3 of Chapter 210 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out the last sentence of the second paragraph of subsection (c) and inserting in place thereof the following two sentences:-

In making the determination, the health, safety, and well-being of the child shall be of paramount, but not exclusive, concern. The court’s consideration of the child’s well-being shall include consideration of how best to preserve and promote the child’s cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic identities.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #10 to H4644

Consideration of a Child’s Racial, Ethnic, Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Identity