Bill > S1062

This bill proposes three key provisions to reduce potential profiling and protect vulnerable populations. First, it removes the language describing "common night walkers, common street walkers" from Section 53 of Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which historically could have been used to criminalize sex workers, particularly women. Second, the bill completely repeals Section 62 of Chapter 272, which likely contained outdated language that could be used to discriminate against or criminalize marginalized groups. Third, and most significantly, the bill adds a new section (34B) to Chapter 94C that provides legal protection for individuals who report crimes: specifically, a person who reports a crime in good faith cannot be charged or prosecuted for possession of controlled substances, engaging in sex work, or violating probation, parole, or pretrial release conditions if the evidence for these potential offenses was discovered as a result of them reporting a crime. This provision aims to encourage reporting of crimes by removing the fear of prosecution for minor offenses and to prevent law enforcement from using such offenses as a means of discouraging crime reporting among vulnerable populations like sex workers and individuals struggling with substance use.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1062