Sen. Robyn Kennedy Highlights Child Welfare Bill, Abortion Protections and Affordability Priorities

“My number one priority is early education and care. Childcare is one of the biggest challenges families face when it comes to affordability.” Sen. Robyn Kennedy

By-Hank Stolz
Photo – Submitted

WORCESTER, MA- State Senator Robyn Kennedy joined Hank Stolz on Radio Worcester to discuss the close of Massachusetts’ formal legislative session on July 31, outlining several major bills approved by lawmakers while emphasizing that legislative work will continue through January.

Among the session’s most significant accomplishments, Kennedy pointed to a sweeping child welfare omnibus bill, expanded abortion protections, a new press shield law, and continued efforts to improve childcare affordability across the Commonwealth.

Child Welfare Omnibus Bill Represents Years of Work

Kennedy said one of the Legislature’s most significant accomplishments was the passage of a comprehensive child welfare omnibus bill, the result of several years of collaboration.

“I’ve had the incredible privilege over the last four years to serve as the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities,” Kennedy said. “This omnibus package… it’s about 67 pages long.”

The legislation includes changes to Department of Children and Families reporting requirements, restructures the Office of the Child Advocate, and establishes statewide child abuse prevention training.

Foxborough Program Expands Statewide

One provision takes a child abuse prevention training program first developed in Foxborough and expands it throughout Massachusetts.

“Back in the town of Foxborough several years ago… they created a whole training program that they’ve trained now over 3,500 volunteers,” Kennedy said. “We actually, through legislation, took that model and have now created that statewide.”

Kennedy said expanding prevention efforts is intended to better protect children before abuse occurs.

Childcare Affordability Remains Her Top Priority

Kennedy said child welfare issues were one of the primary reasons she sought public office and continue to shape her legislative priorities.

“My number one priority is early education and care,” she said. “Childcare is one of the biggest challenges families face when it comes to affordability.”

She said increasing access to affordable childcare remains essential for working families and the state’s economy.

Legislature Expands Abortion Protections

Kennedy also discussed legislation updating Massachusetts abortion laws.

She said the bill removes previous language requiring women facing certain medical complications after 24 weeks of pregnancy to seek care outside Massachusetts.

“Back in 2022 and 2021, my predecessor, Senator Chandler, led the charge knowing that the Dobbs decision was on its way,” Kennedy said. “Massachusetts had some of the most restricted abortion laws in the country.”

Kennedy said the changes ensure patients experiencing serious medical circumstances can receive care within the Commonwealth.

Press Shield Law and Government Transparency

Lawmakers also approved a press shield law designed to protect journalists from being compelled to reveal confidential sources under many circumstances.

Kennedy noted legislators also passed changes affecting public records while continuing discussions about government transparency and state finances.

She also addressed questions about modifications to the state’s 62F tax surplus rebate law and Democratic messaging surrounding affordability.

Legislature Continues Working Through January

Although the formal legislative session ended July 31, Kennedy noted the Legislature continues meeting in informal sessions through January to address additional bills and ongoing state business.