H 1704 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to prevent aiding, supporting, or enticing a child to runaway

This bill makes it a crime for adults to knowingly help children under 18 run away from parents, guardians, or child welfare systems (including foster care or DCS custody). Penalties include up to 5 years in prison or $1,000 fines for helping children aged 14+ run away from family care, and up to 10 years in prison or $5,000 fines for children under 14 or those in DCS custody. It also imposes harsher penalties if the act occurs within 300 feet of schools. The law targets individuals who "lure, induce, or persuade" children to leave lawful care without legal authority.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Dennis Gallagher
Dennis Gallagher
DDemocratic
MA
8th Plymouth