SB 539 (2016): relative to access to records under the child protection act.

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“SB 539 (2016): relative to access to records under the child protection act.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2016/sb539. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
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@misc{bill-2016-sb539, title = {SB 539 (2016): relative to access to records under the child protection act.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2016/sb539}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

SB 539 (2016)

relative to access to records under the child protection act.

  • Status: Signed into law
  • Term: 2015-2016
  • House committee: Children and Family Law
  • Senate committee: Health and Human Services
  • Subject: Children
  • Chapter law: 202

The Story

It was introduced on January 21, 2016 and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 1, 2016. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2016-1070s). The committee's amendment (1070s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 24, 2016, changing the text of the bill. On March 24, 2016 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House and was referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The House withdrew that referral and sent the bill to the Children and Family Law committee instead. The committee held a public hearing on April 12, 2016. The committee met in executive session on April 19, 2016 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 13–1 to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On May 11, 2016 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on May 19, 2016 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 6, 2016, making it Chapter 202 of the session laws. It took effect on August 5, 2016.

Sponsors

Hearings and Sessions

  • March 1, 2016, 2:10 PM: hearing, Senate Health and Human Services, LOB 101
  • April 12, 2016, 1:45 PM: public hearing, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206
  • April 19, 2016, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206

Votes

  • March 24, 2016, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 1070s — voice vote, passed
  • May 11, 2016, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

  • January 21, 2016: Introduced 01/21/2016 and Referred to Health and Human Services
  • March 1, 2016: Hearing: 03/01/2016, Room 101, LOB, 02:10 pm; SC7
  • March 23, 2016: Introduced 03/23/2016 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • March 24, 2016: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2016-1070s , 03/24/2016
  • March 24, 2016: Committee Amendment 1070s, AA, VV; 03/24/2016
  • March 24, 2016: Ought to Pass with Amendment 1070s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/24/2016
  • April 6, 2016: Vacated and Referred to Children and Family Law (Rep. Tholl): MA VV 04/06/2016
  • April 12, 2016: Public Hearing: 04/12/2016 01:45 PM LOB 206
  • April 19, 2016: Executive Session: 04/19/2016 10:30 AM LOB 206
  • May 11, 2016: Committee Report: Ought to Pass for 05/11/2016 (Vote 13-1; CC)
  • May 11, 2016: Ought to Pass : MA VV 05/11/2016
  • May 19, 2016: Enrolled (In recess 05/19/2016)
  • May 19, 2016: Enrolled 05/19/2016
  • June 6, 2016: Signed by the Governor on 06/06/2016; Chapter 0202; Effective 08/05/2016

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court