S 1163
An Act relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill addresses sexual assaults committed by adults in positions of authority or trust in Massachusetts. It aims to strengthen protections for victims and improve the reporting and investigation of these crimes. The legislation seeks to clarify definitions and procedures related to reporting and prosecution of such offenses. It also intends to provide additional support and resources for survivors.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘adult in position of authority or trust’ more broadly.
- Requires reporting of certain sexual assault allegations to law enforcement.
- Establishes a process for victims to request expedited prosecution.
- Expands the definition of ‘sexual assault’ to include specific acts.
- Provides for training requirements for individuals in positions of authority or trust.
- Creates a task force to study and recommend improvements to the state’s response to sexual assault.
- Addresses issues related to statute of limitations for reporting.
- Mandates the collection of data on sexual assault cases.
Who is affected
- Adults in positions of authority or trust (e.g., teachers, healthcare professionals, coaches)
- Victims of sexual assault
- Law enforcement agencies
- The judiciary
- The general public of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Clarifies the scope of ‘adult in position of authority or trust’ to include a wider range of professions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joan B. Lovely
Cosponsors
Dylan A. Fernandes
Joan B. Lovely
Joanne M. Comerford
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Bill S.1163 194th (Current)
An Act relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust
By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1163) of Joan B. Lovely, Mark C. Montigny, Joanne M. Comerford, Adam Gomez and others for legislation relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joan B. Lovely Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.1163
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 6/11/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/24/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
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