Bill > S1192

This bill proposes to modify Massachusetts law by creating an exception to the statute of limitations for sex offenses when DNA evidence is available. Specifically, the bill allows prosecutors to bring charges for a sex offense at any time if forensic evidence has been collected and preserved, and if that evidence can be subjected to DNA analysis that can definitively identify the defendant. This means that even if the typical time limit for prosecuting a sex offense has passed, law enforcement can still pursue charges if they have biological evidence that can be tested using DNA technology. The bill references several existing legal definitions, including the definitions of "sex offense" from chapter 6, "forensic evidence" from chapter 111, and "DNA analysis" from chapter 22E. By removing the time restriction when conclusive DNA evidence exists, the bill aims to provide a pathway for prosecuting sex offenses that might otherwise be time-barred, potentially offering greater justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1192