BREAKING NEWS: Medical Panels for the Probate and Family Courts Bill S1102 Has Been Reported Favorably

BREAKING THROUGH THE SILENCE: Senate Bill 1102 Moves Forward to Protect Families and Save Lives in Massachusetts 💜

A heartfelt fight for justice reaches the Senate Committee on Ways and Means

Canton, MA — June 21, 2025

In a powerful and emotional step forward, Senate Bill 1102 filed by Senator Feeney: An Act Establishing Medical Panels for the Probate and Family Court Department has been reported favorably by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and is now in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

If passed, this first-in-the-nation legislation could reshape the Massachusetts court system, protecting children, survivors of domestic violence, elders, and people with disabilities by ensuring that real medical experts guide decisions in life-altering probate and family court cases.

“This bill is more than legislation. It’s also my sister’s legacy. It’s a promise that no other family will suffer like mine and others have,” said one advocate.

Born from Tragedy. Built with Love. Fueled by Hope for Change.

Behind every word of this bill is a loss and a life that matters.

Fantasia Robinson, a young woman with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, died in 2013 at just 24 years old due to a tragic and preventable accident. This happened six months after losing their mother to stage 4 lung cancer. After losing their mother a few months later Fantasia's sister was in the very first stages of applying for guardianship of Fantasia. Her sister was also actively looking at houses on the market that were wheelchair accessible to buy. Where she could care for her sister herself. Fantasia's death shook her family to the core with deep heartbreaking devastation.

Her sister, a mother to a sweet child with complex medical needs, a survivor of domestic violence, and advocate turned grief into purpose. She and her dedicated team became one of many of the driving forces behind Senate Bill 1102.

“Fantasia’s life mattered. Had her case been expedited with an existing Medical Panel back then, I firmly believe my sister may still be alive today. This bill carries her name in spirit. It’s for every vulnerable person who deserves to be seen, heard, and protected.”

What Senate Bill 1102 Will Do

Massachusetts judges in Probate and Family Courts often make complex rulings on custody, guardianship, and medical care needs without access to qualified medical expertise.

This bill would change that by:

• Creating Medical Panels of at least but no less than three board-certified physicians in relevant fields
• Providing neutral, science-based evaluations for judges to consider
• Ensuring cases involving trauma, disability, chronic illness, or mental health are handled with accuracy and compassion

These panels are NOT part of any other court professionals such as Guardian Ad Litems, Parent Coordinators, or Discovery Masters. They are independent, Massachusetts licensed, and medically trained professionals ensuring unbiased, fact-based input in the most critical decisions affecting families.

Medical Panels for the Probate and Family Courts are Modeled after Massachusetts’ PERAC medical panels used in public employee disability retirement cases. This is a trusted, efficient, and impartial model which has been used for decades now.

This would be the first initiative of its kind for Medical Panels in the Probate and Family Courts in the nation.

Who Will This Bill Help

This legislation was written for those the system too often overlooks:

• Children who suffer from trauma or special needs
• Domestic violence survivors navigating dangerous, misunderstood situations
• Elders at risk of poor legal decisions without proper health evaluations
• People with disabilities whose conditions are often misrepresented in court

“How can we protect people if we don’t understand what they’re going through?” asked one supporter. “This bill ensures we stop guessing and start listening to the science.”

Bill Milestones

• Filed: February 27, 2025 by Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough)
• Public Hearing Held: April 22, 2025
• Reported Favorably: June 16, 2025
• Now: Under review by the Senate Ways and Means Committee

If it advances, the bill will be voted on by the Senate, then move to the House, and finally the Governor’s desk.

Massachusetts Could Lead the Nation

If passed, this would be the first law in the United States to require formal medical expertise in probate and family court matters. It would set a powerful precedent nationwide and it started here, in Massachusetts, with one of many family’s heartbreak and a community’s call for change.

How YOU Can Help Right Now

Call your State Senator, Representative and other organizations to urge their support of the bill.

Full Bill Text: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1102

In Loving Memory of Fantasia Robinson

September 1988 – June 2013

Her light, her strength, and her story now guide a movement to help others.

From one family’s loss comes a state’s chance to lead. And from your voice comes the power to protect thousands more.

"HOPE FOR CHANGE" 💜

#S1102 #FantasiaStrong #HopeForChange #DisabilityJustice #SurvivorSafety #MedicalPanels #FamilyCourtReform #MAleg